Olympian Allyson Felix announced that this year will be her last year as a competitor. As the track and field star steps away from competition, she’s focusing on supporting her fellow athletes — mothers in particular.
For those competing in the 2022 USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Felix is footing the bill for childcare.
The 11-time Olympic champion and mother of a 3-year-old is partnering with retailer Athleta and nonprofit &Mother — on whose board Felix serves.
“No woman should ever have to choose between her career and her family, and our goal is to make accessible child care a standard provision for working moms.” Felix told Good Morning America.
In 2019 Felix walked away from her Nike sponsorship after speaking out against provisions of the contact. Nike had a penalty clause for pregnant athletes. Later that year, Nike said they would change their pregnancy policies.
Taking her health into her own hands, Felix then created her own lifestyle brand, Saysh, where she’s offering free shoes for pregnant mothers.
As Felix prepares for her final race, her legacy will no doubt continue.
“The Child Care Grants from Athleta and Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) grants are a game changer for these women,” said Felix. “Not all professional athletes are fortunate to have a sponsor or any financial support, so the grants have allowed them to train and travel with less stress or barriers.”
