via Getty
DOHA, QATAR – SEPTEMBER 29: Allyson Felix of the United States reacts after setting a new world record in the 4×400 Metres Mixed Relay during day three of 17th IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 at Khalifa International Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
via Getty
DOHA, QATAR – SEPTEMBER 29: Allyson Felix of the United States reacts after setting a new world record in the 4×400 Metres Mixed Relay during day three of 17th IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019 at Khalifa International Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The 2022 World Athletics Championships are underway in Eugene, Oregon, and the mixed 4×400 relay adjourned with a historic moment. Athletics legend Allyson Felix ran the second leg and took home the bronze for Team USA, her 19th and last world championship medal.
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Earlier this year, the seven-time Olympic champion announced she will retire at the end of the 2022 season. A month before bidding farewell to the sport for good, she ran her final major championship race.
Allyson Felix: a living legend
Though?Allyson Felix?didn?t manage a golden finish, she expressed her gratitude for the sport and for being able to run her final championship race on home soil.??To be able to come here in front of a home crowd, it?s something I?ve always wanted,??she said after the race.??To be able to have that, obviously not in the prime of my career, to finish here tonight, to have (daughter) Cammy in the stands, to share that moment meant a lot.?
Not only did she become the most decorated woman track Olympian in history, but she used her platform to advocate for pregnancy and maternity rights in sports. She is an inspiration to generations of young track athletes. US champion Anna Hall grew up with posters of Felix on her wall.
A true legend. 🐐#ThankYouAllyson@allysonfelix x #WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/mxaSq5y5wW
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 16, 2022
?Just the way that you carried yourself your entire career has really just set a great example for the rest of the girls in America to follow in sport, so thank you,??she?said?in her message to the Olympic legend. Noah Lyles also?chipped in?to pay tribute to Allyson Felix.??I remember she ran 21 seconds, and at the time, my personal best was 22 seconds, and it was like, ?Dang, this woman is faster than me.?
With thirty major international medals and some stunning performances on the track, Felix has rounded up her legacy with grace.??I think it?s been about being a representation for women, mothers ? I really felt that, all over tonight, I felt the love,??she said.??I felt joy running tonight.??
Fans pay tribute to the G.O.A.T. of track and field
Allyson Felix has had a huge impact on the sport. Even Google participated in honoring her exceptional career. If you search up the name ?Allyson Felix?, a fun little animation of the athlete runs across the screen with the words,??Olympian?, ?Mother?, and??Advocate?. It ends with an uplifting??Congrats on 20 unstoppable years.?
.@Google paying its respects to @allysonfelix today with a special animation celebrating her 20 years in track & field🎉
Watch Allyson compete one last time today in the 4x400m Mixed Relay 🐐#Eugene2022 pic.twitter.com/qa5UjdZMvS
— Dana Giordano (@dana_gio6) July 15, 2022
Of course, the massive fan base of the athlete didn?t fall behind in appreciating the champion. They bombarded Twitter, professing their love and respect for Felix and her achievements.
https://twitter.com/pelumiadesunlor/status/1548134095351189505?s=20&t=6ilsqqs0gvdXMiPP74fXfw
Have loved watching her compete all these years 👏👏👏 https://t.co/ucL7acdU8u
— Monika Melsha (@mrobin032009) July 16, 2022
Can’t imagine Track & Field without this legend being apart of the sport. Gonna miss watching her run so much. Thankful for all she has done for women and girls around the world. She’s a role model for her daughter and many more. Best of luck in your retirement, @allysonfelix! https://t.co/2N8EjWWugD
— Ella Guttadauro (@guttadauro_ella) July 15, 2022
https://twitter.com/supersinga/status/1547978827720040448?s=20&t=6ilsqqs0gvdXMiPP74fXfw
Not just the GOAT, but one of the brightest shining stars in athletics. Allison’s one of the most inspirational athletes we’ve ever had, on & off the track. 🐐 🇺🇸 https://t.co/kqNIa0SYCc
— Kim Zimmerman (@KimZimmerman1) July 15, 2022
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https://twitter.com/sunoppositemoon/status/1547965213172936707?s=20&t=6ilsqqs0gvdXMiPP74fXfw
All hail The Queen! 👑 11 Olympic medals, 19 World Championship medals and competing at a world class level for almost two decades. Thank you @allysonfelix for being a beacon and an inspiration for our sport! Best of luck in whatever is next! https://t.co/aIuI8GzWrg
— East Buchanan Track & Field (@eastbuchtrack) July 16, 2022
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Competing in 5 different Olympics, in Athens, Beijing, London, Rio, and Tokyo, Felix had a long career where she inspired hundreds of fans and athletes to chase after their dreams and fight for their rights. She has cemented herself in history as one of the greatest track athletes of all time.
DIVE DEEPER:??I Want to Be One of Those Athletes?- Gabby Thomas Reveals Allyson Felix?s Influence on Her Track and Field Career
