American Olympic Great Allyson Felix Set to Retire at End of Season

Seven-time Olympic champion Allyson Felix is set to call it quits on an immensely illustrious career at the end of the season.

The American is the most decorated female track and field Olympian in history.

During her career, Felix has won 11 Olympic medals, which include 13 world titles and seven gold medals.

“As a little girl they called chicken legs, never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined I’d have a career like this,” stated Felix.

“I have so much gratitude for this sport that has changed my life. I have given everything I have to running and for the first time, I’m not sure if I have anything left to give.

“I want to say goodbye and thank you to the sport and people who have helped shape me the only way I know how—with one last run.

“This season isn’t about the time on the clock, it’s simply about joy. If you see me on the track this year I hope to share a moment, a memory and my appreciation with you.”

The 36-year-old, who competed at her fifth Olympics in Tokyo last summer, has won four Olympic golds in the 4x400m relay, two in the 4x100m relay, and one in the 200m.

One of the most challenging periods of Felix’ career was in November 2018, when she gave birth to her daughter Camryn by emergency Caesarean.

The pregnancy was 32 weeks and the emergency section had to be done after it was discovered she had pre-eclampsia, an almost life-threatening.

Interestingly, not long after her birth, Felix became the most successful athlete in the history of the World Championships when she won two relay gold medals in Doha.

Felix has contributed to bringing the issue of maternal mortality among black women to the spotlight.

“This season I’m running for women. I’m running for a better future for my daughter. I’m running for you,” she also said.

“More to come on that, so stay tuned, but I’ll be sharing a series of announcements that I’m hoping will make the world better for women.

“Here’s to my final season.”