Alaysha Johnson switched things up in a big way, leaving her Hooters gig behind to make a bold move after college. Instead of heading to traditional track camps, she chose to train where NFL and NBA stars hone their skills. And guess what? That leap of faith totally paid off! On October 15, she took to X to share some incredible news—she’s landed a spot in Forbes! She proudly posted, “Literally went from working at Hooters to an Olympic finalist with a write up in Forbes.”

In her Forbes interview, Alaysha Johnson shared how her journey in track and field took a turn after college. Instead of joining traditional track camps, she trained at House of Athlete, a facility for NFL and NBA players. This choice raised eyebrows, but for her, it was all about innovation. “I always want to be on the edge of innovation,” she said. By adopting high-performance training methods, she not only leveled up her own skills but also urged the track community to rethink its approach.

At the 2024 U.S. Olympic trials, Johnson stood out in borrowed shoes and a self-designed kit while her competitors wore sponsor logos. “I’ve never ever worn a shoe company kit,” she stated. “I consciously decided not to promote brands for free.” This bold move allowed her to maintain control over her image in an industry that often restricts athlete independence.

Alaysha believes athletes should be fairly compensated for their promotional value, challenging the traditional athlete-sponsor dynamic. Her vision paves the way for a future where athletes can fully embrace their own brands and identities. Then there was one epic event that truly ignited her passion for this cause.

Track and Field star’s vision turns real

Can you believe it was only a few weeks ago that Athlos NYC threw down an all-girls track and field event? It was an awesome vibe where everyone snagged some prize money, and the first-place winner even walked away with a blingy Tiffany and Co. crown. Alaysha Johnson totally crushed it, taking second in the 100-meter hurdles with a killer time of 12.43 seconds. And guess what? She raked in a sweet $25,000 check, which is the most she’s ever made in a race! That’s definitely a huge win for her beliefs!

But it wasn’t just a win for her; it could be the start of something big for future track stars! Alaysha is super passionate about opening doors for the next generation. She said in Forbes, “You can be things that are not created yet. You could be the person that has to go through things in order to help other people behind you be able to have a new path.” 

So, as Alaysha keeps hustling, she’s got her eyes set on making track and field better for everyone coming up behind her. She’s not just focused on her own success; she’s all about creating a more equitable and innovative future for the sport. Talk about a game changer!