Olympian Allyson Felix Talks Advocating for Women and the Legacy She Wants to Leave Behind

Allyson Felix — the most decorated woman in Olympic track and field history — is sharing how she wants to be remembered.

On Wednesday’s episode of “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” the seven-time Olympic gold medalist stopped by to discuss her record-shattering career.

“It feels great,” she told Jennifer Hudson. “[It is] such an incredible ride and journey.”

At the recent Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, the athlete added to her already-impressive collection of awards when she won bronze in the 400m race and gold in the 4×400m relay.

“You need to be crazy to be an Olympian,” Allyson said. “You have seconds to put what you do on display.”

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Despite her accomplishments, Allyson discussed the “ups and downs” of her journey, including how sponsors reacted to her 2018 pregnancy with daughter Camryn.

“I wasn’t supported as well as I could’ve been,” she said. “My contracts were renegotiated at 70%.”

Without naming the company, Allyson recalled how she spoke up against a now-former sponsor, who she said initially refused to guarantee salary protections for pregnant athletes.

“I asked for protection. I spoke [out], and parted ways with the company. When I spoke out, they changed,” Allyson said about the brand’s policy.

Following the experience, Allyson no longer had a footwear sponsor and felt “frustrated.”

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However, Allyson — along with her brother Wes — saw an opportunity and created her own footwear line called Saysh, which specifically designs sneakers to fit the shape and form of a female foot.

When asked what she wants to say to “little girls” everywhere, Allyson urges them “to stand up for what they believe in.”

“No one can put limits on [you]. You have to be a fighter.”

As for her legacy, Allyson wants to be remembered as someone who has advocated for women everywhere.

“Just because we start families, doesn’t mean [our chapters are] over.”

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