Multi talented American track and field athlete and the most decorated female in the history of athletics – Allyson Felix will retire at the end of the season.
After claiming gold and bronze in the 400m and 4x400m relay respectively at the Tokyo Olympics, the 36-year-old will retire having won 11 Olympic medals including seven gold.
In November 2018, Felix gave birth via emergency Caesarian at 32 weeks, but returned to the track less than a year later to become the most successful athlete in World Championships history.
Felix has the potential to add to her 13 world titles at this year’s World Championships in Oregon in June
“As a little girl they called chicken legs, never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined a career like this,” Felix wrote in an Instagram post.
“I have so much gratitude for this sport that has changed my life. I have given everything I have to running and for the first time I’m not sure I have anything left to give.
“I want to say goodbye and thank you to the people who have helped shape me the only way I know – with one last run.”
In 2019, Felix contested the issue of maternity pay after revealing in the New York Times that sponsors Nike wanted to reduce her pay by 70 per cent once she became a mother.
“This season isn’t about the time on the clock, it’s simply about joy,” she said.
“This season, I’m running for women. I’m running for a better future for my daughter. I’m running for you.”
The IAAF Diamond League begins in May in Doha.
Allyson’s racing repertoire spans the 100 meters, 200m, 4 × 100 meters relay, and 4×400 meters relay.