History of Allyson Felix in Timeline

Allyson Felix is a retired American track and field sprinter known for her dominance in the 200 and 400 meters. She is a multi-Olympic and world champion, boasting gold medals in the 2012 Olympic 200 meters and 2015 World Championship 400 meters. Her impressive career includes multiple medals across both distances, establishing her as a prominent figure in athletics.

1983: Marita Koch's Triple Gold Feat

Marita Koch was the first woman to win three gold medals at a single IAAF World Championships in Athletics, achieving this feat in 1983.

1984: Evelyn Ashford's Olympic Victory

Allyson Felix's former coach, Pat Connolly, had previously coached Evelyn Ashford to an Olympic gold medal in the 100 meters at the 1984 Olympics.

October 1985: Women's 4x100 Meter Relay World Record

In October 1985, the East German women's 4 × 100 meters relay team set a world record of 41.37 seconds, a record that stood for almost 27 years before being broken by Allyson Felix and her teammates at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

November 18, 1985: Birth of Allyson Felix

Allyson Michelle Felix was born on November 18, 1985, in Los Angeles, California.

1988: Florence Griffith-Joyner's Olympic Success

Florence Griffith-Joyner's historic win at the 1988 Summer Olympics, where she achieved three gold medals in athletics, served as a benchmark for Allyson Felix's own pursuit of Olympic glory. Felix's achievement of matching this feat in 2012 solidified her place in the annals of track and field history.

1988: 1988 Summer Olympics 4x400 Meter Relay

The 1988 Summer Olympics witnessed remarkable performances in the women's 4 × 400 meters relay, with both the Soviet Union and the United States teams setting times that remained among the fastest in Olympic history. Allyson Felix and her teammates aimed to emulate these impressive performances at the 2012 Summer Olympics.

2001: First International Title

Allyson Felix achieved her first international title by winning the 100 meters at the 2001 Debrecan World Youth Championships.

2002: Wes Felix Wins USA Junior Championships

Allyson's brother, Wes Felix, won the 200 meters race at the 2002 USA Junior Championships, showcasing the family's athletic talents.

2003: Professional Contract with Adidas and Graduation

Allyson Felix graduated high school and signed a professional contract with Adidas. Adidas also supported her college education at the University of Southern California, where she later graduated with a degree in elementary education.

2003: Start of Specialization in 200 Meters

Allyson Felix specialized in the 200 meters from 2003 to 2013.

2003: National Girls' "High School Athlete of the Year"

Allyson Felix was recognized as the national girls' "High School Athlete of the Year" by Track and Field News in 2003.

2003: Second Place at U.S. National Championships and World Championships Debut

At 17, Allyson Felix finished second in the 200 meters at the U.S. national championships. She made her debut at the World Championships in Paris but didn't advance past the quarterfinals.

2003: Wes Felix Wins Pac-10 Championships

Wes Felix continued his sprinting success by winning the Pac-10 championships in 2003 as a collegiate athlete for USC.

2004: Olympic Silver Medalist in 200 Meters

Allyson Felix won an Olympic silver medal in the 200 meters at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

2004: Olympic Silver Medal and Coaching Change

At the 2004 Athens Olympics, 18-year-old Allyson Felix won the silver medal in the 200 meters, setting a world junior record. She then switched coaches, beginning her long-term partnership with Bob Kersee.

2004: 2004 Summer Olympics

The 2004 Summer Olympics marked one of Allyson Felix's early experiences at the Games. While she didn't secure gold in the 200 meters, her participation contributed to her growing experience and determination to succeed on the Olympic stage in future competitions.

2004: US National Titles and Olympic Trials

The year 2004 marked the start of a series of US national championships that doubled as Olympic trials. It was during this period that Allyson Felix made history as the first woman to ever achieve US national titles in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 400 meters throughout her career. Notably, she also became the second American woman, following Chandra Cheeseborough, to qualify for the Olympics in these three events during her career.

2004: Wes Felix Wins Second Pac-10 Championships

Wes Felix secured his second consecutive Pac-10 championships title in 2004.

2005: First Jesse Owens/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Award

Allyson Felix received the prestigious Jesse Owens/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Award for the first time in 2005, marking the beginning of her recognition as a top athlete in the US.

2005: First World Championship Title

Allyson Felix won her first world championship title in the 200 meters at the 2005 Helsinki World Championships.

2005: Youngest World Champion in 200 Meters

At 19, Allyson Felix became the youngest-ever world champion in the 200 meters at the 2005 Helsinki World Championships.

2007: Successful World Title Defense and Historic Triple Gold

Allyson Felix defended her world title in the 200 meters at the 2007 Osaka World Championships. She also won gold in the 4 x 100 meters and 4 x 400 meters relays, becoming only the second woman to win three gold medals at a single World Championships.

2007: Multiple U.S. National Championships

Allyson Felix was a ten-time U.S. national champion in the 200 meters, with victories in 2004, 2005, 2007–2012, 2015, and 2016.

2007: Second Jesse Owens/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Award

Allyson Felix's exceptional performance in 2007 earned her a second Jesse Owens/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Award.

2008: Post 2009 World Championships in Athletics

After winning her third 200-meter world championship gold medal in 2009, Allyson Felix expressed her desire to win an Olympic gold medal. She acknowledged her disappointment over her previous loss to Veronica Campbell-Brown at the 2008 Olympics, but remained determined to succeed. Despite her setbacks, Felix expressed gratitude for her early successes in her career.

2008: Olympic Silver Medalist in 200 Meters

Allyson Felix earned another Olympic silver medal in the 200 meters at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

2008: Participation in USADA's Project Believe

Allyson Felix participated in the US Anti-Doping Agency's "Project Believe" program in 2008.

2008: Olympic Gold Medal in 4 x 400 Meters Relay

Allyson Felix won her first Olympic gold medal in the 4 x 400 meters relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

2008: 2008 Summer Olympics

In 2008, Allyson Felix competed in the 200 meters sprint at the Summer Olympics, achieving her season's best time of 21.93 seconds. Despite this accomplishment, she secured second place, with Veronica Campbell-Brown taking the gold. Felix also contributed to the U.S. women's 4 × 400 meters relay team, securing their victory with her impressive 48.55-second leg, and earning her first Olympic gold medal.

2008: US National Titles and Olympic Trials

The year 2008 marked the start of a series of US national championships that doubled as Olympic trials. It was during this period that Allyson Felix made history as the first woman to ever achieve US national titles in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 400 meters throughout her career. Notably, she also became the second American woman, following Chandra Cheeseborough, to qualify for the Olympics in these three events during her career.

2009: Second World Championship Title

Allyson Felix secured her second world championship title in the 200 meters at the 2009 World Championships.

2009: 2009 World Championships in Athletics

In the lead-up to the 2009 World Championships, Allyson Felix was part of the U.S. 4 × 100 meters relay team that achieved the fastest time in 12 years. At the championships, at the age of 23, Felix secured her third gold medal in the 200-meter race, defeating Veronica Campbell-Brown.

2010: Third Jesse Owens/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Award

Allyson Felix continued her winning streak, receiving her third Jesse Owens/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Award in 2010.

2010: 2010 Diamond League & U.S. Championships

In 2010, Allyson Felix decided to focus on the 400-meter races in addition to her usual 200-meter events. This decision led her to become the first athlete to win two IAAF Diamond League trophies in a single year. She dominated the track, winning 21 out of 22 races. That same year, Felix also clinched the title of U.S. 100 meters champion.

2011: World Bronze Medalist in 200 Meters

Allyson Felix secured the bronze medal in the 200 meters at the 2011 World Championships.

2011: 2011 World Championships in Athletics

At the 2011 World Championships in Athletics, Allyson Felix participated in the 200 and 400 meters races, along with the 4 × 100 and 4 × 400 meters relays. Despite achieving a personal best in the 400 meters, she finished second to Amantle Montsho of Botswana. Felix finished third in the 200 meters. In the relay races, she contributed to Team USA's victories in both the 4 × 100 meters and 4 × 400 meters, adding two more world championship gold medals to her achievements. Notably, Felix was the sole athlete to depart Daegu with four medals.

2012: Fourth Jesse Owens/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Award and IAAF Female World Athlete of the Year

2012 proved to be a remarkable year for Allyson Felix, clinching her fourth Jesse Owens/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Award and the IAAF Female World Athlete of the Year award, a testament to her extraordinary achievements at the London Olympics.

2012: Olympic Champion in 200 Meters

Allyson Felix became the Olympic champion in the 200 meters at the 2012 Olympics.

2012: Olympic Gold Medals in 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 Meters Relays

Allyson Felix secured two Olympic gold medals in relays at the 2012 London Olympics: the 4 x 100 meters and the 4 x 400 meters.

2012: 2012 Summer Olympics

At the 2012 Summer Olympics, Allyson Felix participated in four events, securing fifth place in the 100 meters and achieving gold medals in the remaining three: the 200 meters, the 4 × 100 meters relay, and the 4 × 400 meters relay. This remarkable accomplishment made her the first American woman since Florence Griffith-Joyner in 1988 to secure three gold medals in athletics at a single Olympics. Felix secured victory in the 200 meters final, marking her third attempt after facing defeats against Veronica Campbell-Brown in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. Her victory was particularly significant as she outpaced a field of highly competitive athletes.

2012: Personal Best in 200 Meters

At the 2012 U.S. Olympic trials, Allyson Felix achieved her personal best in the 200 meters with a time of 21.69 seconds, ranking third-fastest among American women and sixth-fastest in history at that time.

2012: 2012 Olympic Trials

In preparation for the 2012 Summer Olympics, Allyson Felix participated in the Olympic trials, choosing to compete in both the 100 and 200 meters. A controversial situation arose when Felix and Jeneba Tarmoh initially tied for third place in the 100 meters, the final qualifying spot. While a run-off was scheduled, Tarmoh ultimately withdrew, allowing Felix to secure the final spot on the Olympic team. During the 200 meters final, Felix achieved both a personal best and a meet record, clocking in at an impressive 21.69 seconds. This time marked the third-fastest ever recorded by an American woman and the fourth-fastest by any female athlete up to that point.

2012: US National Titles and Olympic Trials

The year 2012 marked the start of a series of US national championships that doubled as Olympic trials. It was during this period that Allyson Felix made history as the first woman to ever achieve US national titles in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 400 meters throughout her career. Notably, she also became the second American woman, following Chandra Cheeseborough, to qualify for the Olympics in these three events during her career.

2013: Shift to 400 Meters

After 2013, Allyson Felix gradually shifted her focus to the 400 meters.

May 2014: Return to Competition

In May 2014, after a nine-month hiatus due to a hamstring injury, Allyson Felix returned to competitive athletics at the Shanghai Diamond League meet, participating in the 400 meters. Despite finishing fifth, her return marked a significant step in her recovery and her determination to compete at the highest level.

November 2014: Sports Diplomacy Trip to Brazil

In November 2014, Allyson Felix served as a Sports Diplomacy Sports Envoy for the US Department of State, traveling to Brazil. Collaborating with Josh George, she engaged with 510 youths, many from disadvantaged backgrounds or with disabilities, through clinics, speeches, and various events. The program aimed to promote inclusivity, emphasizing values like respect, discipline, and resilience.

2014: 2014 IAAF Diamond League

Allyson Felix's victory in the 200-meter race at the 2014 IAAF Diamond League secured her a bye into the 2015 World Championships in Athletics, highlighting her consistent performance at the highest levels of competition.

2014: Amantle Montsho Doping Scandal

In 2014, it came to light that Amantle Montsho, who won the 400-meter race at the 2011 World Championships in Athletics, had tested positive for a banned stimulant. This revelation raised questions about the integrity of the competition and Montsho's victory.

2015: World Champion in 400 Meters

Allyson Felix became the world champion in the 400 meters at the 2015 World Championships.

2015: Fastest Split by an American Woman in 4 x 400 Meters Relay

Allyson Felix ran a 47.72-second leg in the 4 x 400 meters relay at the 2015 Beijing World Championships, marking the fastest split ever recorded by an American woman and the third-fastest split ever by a female athlete.

2015: Fifth Jesse Owens/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Award

Allyson Felix solidified her dominance in the sport by clinching her fifth Jesse Owens/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Award in 2015.

2015: 2015 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

At the 2015 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, Allyson Felix, despite having a bye in her signature 200 meters due to her Diamond League win, decided to compete in the 400 meters. In a remarkable display of athleticism, she emerged victorious, securing her ninth U.S. championship title. Her win was notable for her late surge, overtaking Natasha Hastings right before the finish line.

2015: Felix's Historic Victory at the 2015 World Championships

In 2015, Allyson Felix faced a difficult decision at the Beijing World Championships due to a scheduling conflict between the 400-meter and 200-meter events. Opting for the 400 meters, she achieved a personal best, winning the gold medal and becoming the first woman to secure world titles in both the 200 meters and 400 meters. This victory also made her the American track and field athlete with the most world championship gold and overall medals. She added two more silver medals to her collection in the 4 × 100 meters and 4 × 400 meters relays, setting a new American record for the fastest 4 × 400 meters split in the process.

2016: Olympic Silver Medalist in 400 Meters

Allyson Felix clinched the silver medal in the 400 meters at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

2016: Olympic Gold Medals in 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 Meters Relays

Allyson Felix continued her success in relays with two more Olympic gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics: the 4 x 100 meters and the 4 x 400 meters.

2016: Felix's Setback: Ankle Injury Impacts Early Season

Allyson Felix experienced an unusual start to her 2016 season due to a gym accident in April. The accident, involving a fall from a pull-up bar, resulted in a twisted right ankle and torn ligaments, forcing her to withdraw from planned competitions like the Diamond League meet in Doha and the Prefontaine Classic. She returned to racing in June with a slower-than-usual time in the 400 meters, reflecting the impact of the injury.

2016: Felix Makes History at the 2016 Rio Olympics

At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Allyson Felix increased her total Olympic medal count to nine, tying Merlene Ottey's record for a female track and field athlete. Despite narrowly missing the 400 meters gold, she secured two gold medals in the 4 × 100 meters and 4 × 400 meters relays. The 4 × 100 meters relay win was particularly noteworthy due to a controversial disqualification overturned on appeal, allowing the US team to advance and ultimately win with the second-fastest time in history.

2016: Felix's Determination at the 2016 Olympic Trials

Despite the lingering effects of her ankle injury, Allyson Felix participated in both the 200 meters and 400 meters races at the 2016 Olympic Trials, determined to compete in both events at the upcoming Rio Olympics. She secured victory in the 400 meters with an impressive world-leading time but narrowly missed qualifying for the 200 meters, highlighting the ongoing impact of her injury on her speed.

2016: US National Titles and Olympic Trials

The year 2016 marked the start of a series of US national championships that doubled as Olympic trials. It was during this period that Allyson Felix made history as the first woman to ever achieve US national titles in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 400 meters throughout her career. Notably, she also became the second American woman, following Chandra Cheeseborough, to qualify for the Olympics in these three events during her career.

July 2017: Previous Personal Best in 400 meters

July 2017 marked a time when Allyson Felix achieved a notable personal best in the 400 meters event, a record that stood until June 2021.

December 2017: Felix's Contract with Nike Ends

In December 2017, Allyson Felix's contract with Nike came to an end. This marked a significant turning point in her career, leading to her public criticism of the company's maternity policies and her eventual move to Athleta.

2017: World Bronze Medalist in 400 Meters

Allyson Felix earned the bronze medal in the 400 meters at the 2017 World Championships.

2017: Felix's Record-Breaking Performance at the 2017 World Championships

Allyson Felix further solidified her legacy at the 2017 World Championships in London, earning three more medals and becoming the most decorated athlete in IAAF World Championships history. While disappointed with a bronze in the 400 meters, she secured gold medals in the 4 × 100 meters and 4 × 400 meters relays, bringing her total world championship medal count to 16.

November 2018: Birth of First Child

Allyson Felix gave birth to her first child in November 2018.

December 2018: Felix's Pregnancy and Advocacy for Maternal Health

In December 2018, Allyson Felix shared her experience with a difficult pregnancy, revealing her battle with pre-eclampsia, a condition more common in African-American women. This life-threatening experience led to the premature birth of her daughter via emergency C-section. Motivated by this, she became an advocate for maternal health, testifying before Congress about racial disparities in maternal healthcare and raising awareness about the higher risks faced by Black mothers.

2018: Birth of Daughter

Allyson Felix and her husband, Kenneth Ferguson, welcomed their daughter in 2018.

2018: Felix Plans for Family and Future

In 2018, Allyson Felix made the decision to start a family, a life-changing event that would later fuel her advocacy for better maternity protections for female athletes.

May 2019: Felix Challenges Nike on Maternity Protections

In May 2019, Allyson Felix publicly criticized Nike for their lack of maternity protections for female athletes. She revealed that during contract negotiations, the company refused to guarantee salary protection during and after her pregnancy, prompting her to seek alternative sponsorships.

July 2019: Return to Competition and World Championship Success

In July 2019, Allyson Felix returned to competition after giving birth in November 2018. She participated in the US national championships, securing a sixth-place finish in the 400-meter sprint. While this didn't qualify her for the individual event at the World Championships in Doha, it secured her a place in the US 4x400 meters relay team. At the World Championships, Felix made history as part of the first-ever mixed-gender 4x400 meters relay team, setting a new world record. She also contributed to the US women's 4x400 meters relay team's success in the preliminary heats, ultimately earning her 12th and 13th world championship gold medals. This achievement led her to surpass Usain Bolt as the athlete with the most gold medals in World Athletics Championships history.

July 2019: Felix Signs with Athleta, Championing Athlete Support

In July 2019, Allyson Felix signed a sponsorship deal with Athleta, a Gap Inc.-owned apparel company known for its support of women. This partnership marked Athleta's first foray into athlete sponsorships and was widely seen as a win for female athletes seeking better support and representation.

August 2019: Nike Responds to Criticism, Revising Maternity Policy

Following Allyson Felix's public criticism and the backlash surrounding their maternity policies, Nike announced changes to their contract terms for pregnant athletes in August 2019. The revised policy included a commitment to not reduce pay for 18 months surrounding pregnancy and childbirth, as well as a guarantee against contract termination during this period.

2019: Advocacy for Pregnant Athletes

Allyson Felix, alongside Alysia Montaño and Kara Goucher, played a key role in advocating for better maternity protections for pregnant athletes at Nike. Their efforts led to Nike expanding its maternity policy in 2019.

March 2020: Training Amidst the Pandemic and Project Believe 2020

In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Allyson Felix continued training with the goal of qualifying for her fifth Olympic Games. Adapting to the circumstances, she utilized streets, empty soccer fields, and beaches for her workouts. Felix also stepped up to contribute to the US Anti-Doping Agency's "Project Believe 2020." As a former participant in the program in 2008, she volunteered to help test a new sample collection method for athletes during the stay-at-home orders.

2020: Inclusion in Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People

Allyson Felix was recognized for her influence and advocacy by being included in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2020.

2020: Olympic Gold Medal in 4 x 400 Meters Relay

Allyson Felix won her fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal in the 4 x 400 meters relay at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

2020: Olympic Bronze Medalist in 400 Meters

Allyson Felix won the bronze medal in the 400 meters at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

2020: Felix Sets Sights on the 2020 Olympics

In 2020, Allyson Felix decided to adjust her racing schedule, opting for a less demanding year to focus on recovery and preparation for the 2020 Olympics. This strategic decision reflects her long-term vision and commitment to peak performance.

2020: Triumph and Legacy at the Tokyo Olympics

In 2020, Allyson Felix defied expectations at the Tokyo Olympics, securing a bronze medal in the 400 meters final with a time of 49.46 seconds. This victory was especially significant given her age, previous performances, and the tough competition. Her win resulted in a new 400-meter masters athletics record and placed her alongside Carl Lewis as the most decorated American track and field Olympian at that time. Felix concluded her Olympic journey with another gold medal in the women's 4x400 meters final, running alongside Sydney McLaughlin, Dalilah Muhammad, and Athing Mu. This 11th Olympic medal solidified her place as the most decorated American track and field athlete in Olympic history, surpassing Carl Lewis.

June 2021: Launch of Saysh and Olympic Trials Success

Two years after going public with her contract dispute with Nike, Allyson Felix launched her own footwear company, Saysh, in June 2021. Demonstrating her commitment to the brand, she began competing in spikes designed by Saysh. The same month, at the age of 35, Felix proved her enduring athletic prowess at the US Olympic trials. She qualified for the 400 meters individual event with a time of 50.02 seconds, setting a new masters athletics record for her age group (35–40) and achieving her personal best time since July 2017.

June 2021: Launch of Saysh Footwear Company

Two years after leaving Nike, Allyson Felix launched her own footwear company, Saysh, in June 2021, focusing on creating athletic shoes specifically designed for women.

2021: Inclusion in Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People

Allyson Felix's continued impact led to her inclusion in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People for the second consecutive year in 2021.

2022: Honorary Doctorate and Commencement Speech at USC

Allyson Felix received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from her alma mater, the University of Southern California, in 2022. She also delivered the commencement speech at that year's graduation ceremony.

2022: Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement

In recognition of her remarkable contributions to athletics and beyond, Allyson Felix received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement in 2022.