What does it take to become an icon in track and field? Is it the talent, the hard work, or the environment? For Allyson Felix, it’s all about relentless determination and an unwavering thirst for excellence. Her story goes beyond medals—it’s a tale of grit and unyielding spirit.

Growing up, Allyson Felix faced countless challenges. Picture a young girl in high school, teased and nicknamed “chicken legs” for her long, slender limbs. Instead of succumbing to the ridicule, she transformed those legs into instruments of speed and power. But the hurdles didn’t end there. In 2018, a life-threatening C-section almost ended her career. Did she give up? Absolutely not. She fought back with the heart of a champion.

Then came the moment that defined her resilience: Nike, her sponsor, offered a 70% pay cut after she gave birth. Felix stood her ground, confronting the giant and changing the narrative for female athletes everywhere. And at 35, when most athletes are contemplating retirement, she clinched Olympic gold, proving her doubters spectacularly wrong.

How did she manage to stand tall through every storm? The unwavering support of her family and coach has been her rock. These champions in her corner provided the strength and encouragement she needed to face every challenge head-on. Let’s delve into the incredible support system that fueled Allyson Felix’s extraordinary journey—a journey marked by determination, triumph, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.

Meet Allyson Felix’s Parents and brother Wes

Allyson’s family has been her biggest supporter. Her father, Paul Felix, is an ordained minister and professor of New Testament at The Master’s Seminary, and her mother is an elementary teacher. According to mom.com, her mother has stated, “we made every effort to support her as a family” which is perhaps the biggest reason Allyson came out victorious in all challenges throughout her career. This unwavering support was especially crucial during a difficult period in Allyson’s life. 

In 2018, she faced a life-threatening preeclampsia diagnosis and an emergency C-section to deliver her daughter, Camryn. This experience and Nike’s proposed pay cut following childbirth posed a humongous challenge in front of Felix. Once again, her family stood up for her. Wes, her brother, and her agent secured a contract with Athleta that offered complete protection during maternity. An athlete turned sports agent, Wes won’t stop there – he crafted another opportunity for her sister to thrive. Together, the brother-sister duo co-founded Saysh, a shoe company designed specifically for women. Talking about Allyson Felix’s support, we cannot exclude her legendary coach.

Who was Allyson Felix’s coach?

Allyson Felix was trained by the USTFCCCA Hall of Fame member and the winner of USA Track & Field’s “Legend Coach Award,” Bob Kersee. The master coach has nurtured a whole breed of internationally famous athletes whose careers are strewn with medals. Be it the Olympic Gold medalist in 200m, Shawn Crawford, the 400 meters hurdles gold medalist at the 1988 Olympic Games, Andre Phillips, or the 100m hurdles gold medalist, Dawn Harper, Kersee has an unmatched portfolio brimming with extraordinary talents. 

However, Kersee’s most exciting coaching legacy comes from the family itself. He is the man behind her wife’s extraordinary athletic career. Kersee took her wife, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, under his tutelage only to make her one of the greatest heptathlons and long jumpers ever. Under Karsee’s exemplary guidance, Jackie Joyner claimed six Olympic medals and five World Athletic Championship medals spread across heptathlon and long jump events. No doubt, Allyson Felix turned out to be the most decorated U.S. track and field athlete of all time, with 11 Olympic medals surpassing Carl Lewis. 

The decade-long partnership between Karsee and Felix ended when Allyson hung up her boots in 2022. She has now indulged herself in business and social ventures, most notably advocating for maternal health. She has recently garnered much praise due to her initiative to install child nurseries at the Paris Olympics.