As a mother of two, 20x world championships medalist, Allyson Felix knows just how hard it can be to balance being a mother and an athlete. Navigating this tightrope balancing act, the 7x Olympic gold medalist has faced both ends of the spectrum. Felix has seen it all, from being a celebrated track and field star to Nike offering a 70% cut during her first pregnancy in 2017, which led to a fallout. Now a part of the IOC’s Athletes Commission, the retired athlete celebrates motherhood and is striving to make changes for mothers the world over.

The former Olympian welcomed her second child Kenneth Maurice Ferguson III, into the world on April 10. Mere hours ago, the 38-year-old posted a photoshoot she did for her women’s footwear brand Saysh during her pregnancy. The women’s sneakers she promoted were the result of a collaboration between Saysh and the French brand ba&sh. However, her post is more significant than a simple brand promo. What exactly is this harbinger up to, apart from titillating the world from her influence?

Allyson Felix continues to fight for a noble cause

As the voice for maternity rights and fair treatment of female athletes, Allyson Felix believes in her brand’s tagline “Women deserve better.” Just a day before posting the photos from her pregnancy, the 11x Olympic medalist spoke up for mothers, athletes, and those who would’ve had to stay away from their children during the Olympics. The keyword here is “would’ve” because the IOC Athletes Commission member made sure that mothers won’t have to deprive themselves of their children’s company while competing in Paris. On July 9th, Allyson Felix announced she had partnered with Pampers to launch the Pampers Nursery for the Paris Olympics.

The 38-year-old had already become a mother by the time she participated in the final Olympics in Tokyo. She understood how the added pressure of vying for time with their young ones affects performance. “I knew firsthand how tough it was to compete at the top level after having my daughter. Some practical things were really hard,” Felix said during her interview with CBS.

So, as an IOC member, the track and field icon initiated the change she hoped to see. The 4x Diamond League medalist became the “voice for athlete moms,”, a much needed beacon of hope much. “One more thing for them to worry about during the competition,” the former sprinter added. However, the athlete-turned-entrepreneur didn’t rest with just the Pamper’s Nursery in the heart of the Athlete Village Plaza.

The Olympic authorities don’t usually allow athletes’ older children and family members to visit them in the Village. It seems things wouldn’t change during the Paris Olympics. However, Allyson Felix came to the rescue yet again, as she lobbied for visitations. Thankfully, her efforts bore fruit as children and family members will be able to visit the athletes from 9 am to 9 pm. However, they’ll have to carry a guest pass. Fans couldn’t help but applaud the multiple-time Olympic champion for her tireless crusade and celebration of motherhood.

Fans have nothing but praise for the former Olympic champion

The tracks and field community applauded everything Allyson Felix has achieved as a mother and everything she is doing for others. “This is epic,” one fan commented in the comments section. The fan bowed down to the Olympian’s dedication to everything she does. Meanwhile, the snapshots reminded one user of the athlete’s pregnancy. “Wait I miss your belly,” wrote the fan as she clearly enjoyed the wholesome updates the 38-year-old posted with the family during her second pregnancy.

Meanwhile, others wrote about how they’ll support the track legend and her cause. “One thing about me… Imma buy your running shoes and not run a bit lol,” commented an Instagram follower. Although the follower doesn’t run, she is still willing to stand by Allyson Felix’s brand as its underlying message of “women deserve better” seemed to resonate with her. However, others were ready to support the athlete and workout in Saysh’s shoes.

“Are these specifically for running? I walk, I don’t run and I wanted to buy a pair so I can walk in them…” the fan enquired. However, the individual also lamented about the former world champion’s absence in the upcoming Paris Olympics. “It’s gonna be weird now. watching the 200m, 400 and relay teams at the Olympics and not see you compete.” the fan added. Yet others were ready to accept Allyson Felix’s new chapter in life with open arms.

“Allyson you were so beautiful in Sprint!” commented another ardent fan impressed with her appearance in Netflix’s track and field docudrama, which was released on July 2nd. Green and mommyhood look so good on you champ!” commented one user, steering on the former champion’s effort to create a safer space for women in track and field. The multiple-time Olympic champion and a mother, few can match Allyson Felix’s experience in the sport. As the voice of athletes and mothers, she has no plans to rest anytime soon.