Allyson Felix was a highly favorite athlete at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Felix desired to push her limits at this year’s games as she took on the task of competing in the 200-400m double during the Olympic Trials. Here are 5 reasons why Allyson Felix is like-able and an inspiration to many:
1. She’s always determined.
This was a trying year for Felix as she got an ankle injury earlier this year after an accident in the gym and lost her beloved dog, Chloe. Felix also came up short of competing in her “baby” (the 200m) as she was shy of third place by 0.01, which put her in fourth place as Tori Bowie, Deajah Stevens and Jenna Prandini raced in Rio. She did not let this stop her from qualifying in the 400m.
2. She’s humble.
Felix earned silver in the 400m final as she ran a 49.51 after a dramatic dive from Shaunae Miller of the Bahamas who was first and received a 49.44. Whether, gold, silver or bronze each medal is an accomplishment but Allyson took her loss hard.
After the race, she found a way to find the strength to walkover and congratulate Miller for her win. Felix then laid on the track in despair, as all her hard work did not pay off like she wanted. She managed to pull herself together for an interview with NBC’s Lewis Johnson as she fought back tears.
"It just wasn’t there tonight. God has been so good to get me this far and it’s been a fight all season, I just gave it all I had tonight,” said Felix.
"It was tough, I was just trying to dig deep and find another gear.”
“I feel emotionally and physically drained at this point,” she added.
In a YouTube video with Access Hollywood she says, “It’s hard to keep going when nothing is really...going right for you.”
When explaining her 400m race she said, “it was a very, very tough moment, no doubt about that. That’s a very difficult way to lose a race.”
“It’s difficult, it’s going to be difficult but you have to keep pushing.”
Pushing is exactly what Felix did.
With her silver medal, Felix is the most decorated American Women’s track and field athlete in history with six gold and three silver medals. She surpassed Jackie Joyner-Kersee who has six medals.
3. The connection that she has with her family.
In one of her Instagram posts she refers to her family as "everything" because they show unconditional love and unwavering support. "When I felt I couldn't go on they encouraged, inspired and uplifted me," said Felix.
“She’s proud that I [even] got here. That’s family, win or lose they’ll love you just the same,” Felix told Johnston when referring to telling her grandmother about the outcome her 400m race.
4. Her faith.
Allyson's father is an ordained minister and her mother is an elementary school teacher. Her family is rooted in their Christian faith and it is what keeps Allyson motivated regardless the challenge. She uses the platform that she has been given to glorify God every chance she gets.
She recently did an FCA Magazine interview in August 2016 that talks about her faith, involvement with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and the legacy that she hopes to leave not only on the track but as it relates to representing Christ. Check out Allyson's interview below.
5. Her smile.
Allyson's radiant personality is contagious among others. It is a rare sight that viewers will ever catch Felix without a huge smile on her face before a race or after an interview.
