US Track Legend Allyson Felix Launches A Revolutionizing Initiative For ‘Mom’ Athletes

At 36, Allyson Felix has become an inspiration for female athletes across the world. Not only is she the most decorated track and field athlete of all time, but she’s also a supermom. The American began her sprinting career in the 200m category but shifted her focus to the 400m category. Now, competing in her sunset races, Felix is ready to shift her focus once again.

The track and field athlete is launching a child care initiative for athlete moms. Felix aims to provide mothers with facilities she wishes they had.

Allyson Felix launches new child care initiative

Having spent recent years as an advocate for the maternal health of women athletes, Allyson Felix is all set to provide aid herself. The runner has dedicated her last racing season to the athlete mothers who look to her for inspiration. Her initiative will kick off this week.

The initiative will launch in partnership with Athleta and nonprofit organization &Mother. It aims at providing free child care services to athletes, coaches, and staff at the USATF Championships. Notably, &Mother was co-founded by Alysia Montano, Felix’s teammate, and two-time World Champion.

Felix took a moment to talk about her experience with the lack of similar facilities. “I felt like I had to win all the medals, do all the things before I could even think about starting a family, and that’s something that I don’t want my daughter to feel.”

READ MORE: At 35 Years Of Age, Allyson Felix Had The Second Best Season Of Her Track Career In 2021

The partnership has opened the third round of grants for child care. It aims at providing mom athletes $10,000 for child care expenses. So far, the Women’s Sports Foundation and Athleta have rewarded over $200,000 in grants.

Felix’s infamous split with Nike

In 2017, a controversy surrounding Allyson and Nike sent shock waves around the sporting world. The incident was so impactful that Nike had to introduce new policies to their company’s playbook.

Back then, Felix’s contract with Nike expired. During the time of negotiations, Felix was pregnant with her daughter. The brand proposed a 70% pay cut to her because they had no maternity policies in place. This led to Felix walking away from the company and joining hands with Athleta. As a result, Nike introduced maternity policies for the first time for their female employees.

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While there are only a few people who attempt to make the future a better place, Allyson Felix does it time and time again.