?Haven?t Supported Women in the Right Way?- Allyson Felix Opens Up About Issues of Female Athletes

Recently, one of the most decorated Track and Field athlete of all time, Allyson Felix made an appearance on a prominent daily live broadcast show. In the interview, she talks about her motherhood and how her new footwear brand is trying to address some of the issues mothers and women athletes face.

Allyson Felix on motherhood

During the interview, when asked why issues faced by women athletes and particularly mothers are overlooked and are not ?paid enough attention,? she replied, ?I think we haven’t supported women in the right way and it’s not that we are not capable but women have struggled as athletes and being mothers. And I think as we are changing that and as we are supporting them holistically, we are able to see they can go so much further.?

The five-time Olympian, along with her brother and agent, Wes Felix, founded the footwear brand ?Saysh? as a means to tackle inequality in the industry. The motto of the company is ?for and by women.?

The brand is one of its kind and perhaps the first to implement a ?Maternity Return? policy. When asked about this policy during the interview, Felix stated that women?s feet size is prone to change during pregnancy. And women can experience an increase in their feet by half a size or more. She further added, ?Oftentimes that change is permanent. If you have a pair of our shoes we?ll offer you a new pair in your new size.?

In doing so, the company aims to set up an example and hopes to bring positive changes to the industry.

In 2018, Felix gave birth to a daughter, Camryn. Following this, she has been vocal about opportunities for mothers and women.

READ MORE- Five-Time Olympian Allyson Felix to Run One of the Last Races of Her Illustrious Career in Penn Relays

When asked about her daughter and how the experience has changed her, she said, ?I love being a mom. It is so rewarding.??On April 13, Felix posted on Instagram to declare that she is dedicating this season to women and ?for a better future for my daughter.?

Felix’s upcoming event

Allyson is set to compete in the 300-meter event at the upcoming Penn Relays 2022. This will mark her first appearance in a race after the Tokyo Olympics. The event will also be one of her final races. This season will be Felix?s last as she has announced her plan to retire from the sport.

ALSO READ- Allyson Felix?s Brand Saysh Announces Ground Breaking Policy for Pregnant Women With Hopes of an Equitable Future

Felix made her Olympic debut in the 2004 Summer Olympics held in Athens. With a total of 11 Olympic medals, she has become the most decorated athlete in the history of track and field events.