Allyson Felix is giving back to her sports, even after retiring. Felix, who specialized in the 200m and 400m disciplines, went on to become one of the greatest female sprinters. Having bagged 7 gold medals and 14 World championships gold, Felix ascended to the apex of the game from 2003 to 2013. However, after hanging up her sprinting boots, Felix decided to work towards the welfare of the sport. She is well known for her work toward the welfare of female athletes and maternity rights. 

Felix challenged Nike’s maternity policies, bringing significant attention to structural problems in sports. Continuing her impactful work, Allyson Felix has also brought a significant change to the Olympic Village. For the first time, the village will feature a nursery for athletes who are mothers. In collaboration with Pampers, Felix’s proposed nursery will allow athletes to bond with and nurse their babies during the competition. Additionally, Felix is aiming for an administrative position at the IOC.

Allyson Felix to spread her revolutionary wings to the IOC

Allyson Felix will be running for election to the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission. This is a significant step for Felix, who is already serving as a representative for the same committee. Securing a more administrative role is expected to help the 11-time champion further channel her ideas, which would benefit female athletes and the overall welfare of sports.

A known advocate for maternity rights, Allyson Felix gained prominence during her dispute with Nike. After experiencing pregnancy complications in 2018, Felix was shocked to find that Nike refused to provide maternity coverage. This led to a high-profile conflict with the sportswear giant, ultimately forcing Nike to revise its maternity policies. Following the end of her association with Nike, Felix launched her own brand, ‘Saysh,’ in 2021.

Speaking about her athletic footwear brand, Felix mentioned how the shoes were devoid of the typical “shrink it and pink it” standards. Saysh’s sneakers come with a narrower heel compiled with a wider forefoot to provide optimum comfort for female athletes. And while Allyson Felix’s noble ventures have grown over the years, it has also attracted the attention of significant personalities like Melinda Gates.

Melinda Gates donates $20 million to support Felix’s ventures

Melinda Gates, mother of equestrian sensation Jennifer Gates and a philanthropist in her own right, has pledged to support Allyson Felix’s dreams by donating $20 million. Gates, who has long advocated for women’s rights and has been vocal about making the athletic world more equitable for women, will make this donation from a $240 million fund dedicated to supporting such initiatives. Her contribution is a testament to her commitment to advancing women’s rights and improving opportunities in sports.

In addition to Gates, track and field legend Michael Johnson has also stepped forward to support the revitalization and rebuilding of the track and field world. Praising Melinda Gates’ efforts to support Felix he wrote, “Great to see Allyson Felix as one of the recipients of Melinda Gates’s $1 billion contribution to women’s health.” Besides acknowledging Gates’ donation, he himself decided to invest $30 million in advocating for similar initiatives.