ALLYSON FELIX HOLDS RECORD FOR MOST U.S. TRACK IN OLYMPIC HISTORY
Allyson Felix broke Carl Lewis’ record for the most U.S. track medals in Olympic history.
The track star won her 11th Olympic medal last Saturday, surpassing Carl Lewis’ 10 medal record set in 1996. Paavo Nurmi of Finland is the only runner to hold in Olympic history to hold more. He won 12 medals as a long-distance runner.
The U.S. women’s 4x400m relay team of Kendall Ellis, Lyann Irby, Wadeline Jonathas, and Kaylin Whitney won the qualifying heat last Thursday. There’s no doubt that the U.S put together an all-star team of runners.
Going into the 400-meter race on Friday, Felix already had six gold and three silver medals to her name from four previous Olympic games. She has also racked up 18 world championship medals in her career, 13 of which are gold. She sates that this year’s Tokyo Olympics would be her last. Although, it would be nice to see her qualify for another go-round to compete for the all-time most decorated track and field athlete. Wishful thinking.
THE MOST DECORATED AMERICAN TRACK AND FIELD OLYMPIAN EVER. 🥇🥈🥉@allysonfelix | #TokyoOlympics pic.twitter.com/clZUbEvPPo
— #TokyoOlympics (@NBCOlympics) August 7, 2021
After claiming bronze in the 400-meter race on Friday, she spoke to her daughter over a video call.
“No matter what it feels is stacked against you, you go out with character and integrity, you give your all, and that’s all anybody else can ask of you, and you’re proud with that,” Felix said.
Felix doesn’t just inspire women on the track. She is an empoweredvadvocate for maternity rights. In 2018, she gave birth to her daughter after being diagnosed with a serious case of preeclampsia. The illness is a dangerous pregnancy complication which forced Felix to have an emergency c-section.
It’s very likely that there will ever be another U.S. track athlete like Felix. Still, her impact will continue to inspire future generations in the sport.
