?I Was So Proud?: Allyson Felix Asks World Not to Forget Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka?s Message

American sprinting legend Allyson Felix started her Olympic career back in 2004. It took her decades to gather the strength to stand up for her mental health.

Notably, young athletes, Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka have taken the control of their mental health at a very early age. Allyson lauded the gymnast and tennis star for their daring steps.

Allyson Felix opens up on athletes’ mental health issues

Track and field star, Allyson Felix, became the most decorated American athlete after she clinched her 11th Olympic medal in Tokyo. The 35-year-old has been on the track for a while now and has witnessed the sports world revolution. The positive changes have come through the powerful examples of athletes like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka.

Both the young women stood up fiercely for their mental health, fighting through the struggles. This has given athletes around the world the strength to do the same. In conversation with CNN, Allyson Felix said she is proud of Biles and Osaka for doing something athletes couldn’t have imagined doing decades back.

Allyson said, “I was just really so proud of Simone, so proud of Naomi for focusing on their mental health, for bringing the conversation and awareness there. I think for a long time, you know, athletes have just been seen as invincible, and we’re no different than anybody else and we go through struggles and challenges.”

She further added, “I think really making it a priority, making our mental health a priority and understanding when you’re not OK and what are the steps and what works for you.”

Allyson also talked about how she keeps her mental health in place. She said, “I know when I have to lean into my support system, when I need to step away. Kind of what helps me to be able to thrive and taking that time and taking that space for myself.”

Felix, herself, has been an inspiration for women athletes around the world.

Proud mother and Olympian

In 2018, Felix welcomed her daughter Cammy into the world after a tough pregnancy. Just two years later, she was back on the Olympic field to achieve her astonishing glories in Tokyo. Notably, Allyson also stood up against her former sponsors Nike, when they took the unjust decision of cutting her finances citing her pregnancy.

But Allyson is unstoppable. She stood strong in Tokyo, wearing her own brand’s shoes on the Olympic podium. Allyson is nearing her retirement now, but the American star will never stop inspiring the world with her superwoman’s skills.

Read More: ?I?m a Very Competitive Person?: Allyson Felix Confirms She Will Race One Last Time at World Championships 2022