Allyson Felix becomes America’s most decorated track athlete in Olympic history



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It was Felix’s 11th Olympic medal and his seventh gold, surpassing sprint legend Carl Lewis’ 10 medals. She remains a short distance from the all-time track and field record of Paavo Nurmi of Finland with 12 medals.

The US team of Felix, Sydney McLaughlin, Dalilah Muhammad and Athing Mu rushed to victory, with Poland taking silver with a national record and Jamaica taking bronze.

“The first one was a long, long time ago [in Athens 2004] when everything was new, “Felix, 35, told reporters.” And this one, everything is different but in a good way. I’m so glad he was running with these amazing women. “

‘Inspiration’

Preparations for Tokyo 2020 have not been easy for Felix. In November 2018, she battled preeclampsia and underwent an emergency cesarean section at 32 weeks to deliver her daughter Camryn.

Like many other athletes, Felix was also forced to adapt her training schedule, training on empty soccer fields and beaches during the early stages of the pandemic in 2020.

But becoming a parent, in particular, has helped Felix find his voice when it comes to speaking out against social injustice.

Thinking about the kind of world she wants to raise her daughter in has opened her eyes, she says.

“I always had the desire to win […] now it’s really about how I want to show her how to overcome adversity, ”she told CNN Sport ahead of Tokyo 2020.

Speaking after the race, Mu, 19, told reporters about how Felix is ​​a role model for a new generation of American athletes.

“Sure, Allyson is an amazing athlete. I am amazed at everything she does, even coming here to her last Games, ”said Mu.

“Knowing a little more about her story, knowing that everything is more than athletics for her, is definitely an inspiration.

“It makes us all want to know more about ourselves and have our stories heard. It’s just great to be with her, to kind of start my career. It’s really cool.”

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