Allyson Felix stands not only as an icon of speed and athleticism but also as a powerful advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. Her remarkable journey from the track to the boardroom is a story of resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Allyson Felix’s track career is nothing short of legendary. She has won eleven Olympic medals (7 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze), and has solidified her status as one of the greatest sprinters in history. However, it’s not just her speed that sets her apart; she is determined to challenge the status quo and advocate for women in sports and beyond.
One of the pivotal moments in Felix’s advocacy journey came when she faced challenges during her pregnancy. In 2018, Felix became a mother, and like many women in various professions, she encountered obstacles that shed light on the need for better support for pregnant athletes. Felix’s contract with her former sponsor did not offer protections or guarantees during pregnancy, prompting her to speak out against such practices.
Felix’s courageous decision to share her own experiences sparked a larger conversation about the treatment of female athletes, particularly regarding pregnancy and motherhood. Her advocacy played a crucial role in positive changes within the sports industry, inspiring sponsors and organizations to reevaluate and improve their policies to better support women athletes during and after pregnancy.
“Just because something wasn’t there before doesn’t mean that we can’t keep pushing and break down those barriers,” Allyson Felix
Felix decided to leave her sponsor at the time Nike because they offered to pay her 70% less than her previous deal and were unwilling to contractually guarantee that she wouldn’t be financially punished if her on-track performances dipped in the months before and after childbirth.
Instead of finding another sponsor, Allyson made a brave decision to set up her own sportswear company alongside her brother Wes Felix. Together they founded Saysh, a footwear brand designed by and for women. While researching and creating her running shoes, Allyson found out that many women’s running shoes are often made using a shoe mold that is based on a man’s foot. She “saw it as an incredible opportunity to not only make something for herself but make something for all women.”
Allyson ran in a bespoke pair of her running shoes at the Tokyo Olympics and said that it was “amazing to be wearing a shoe that my company created”. Even though she set up her business “out of necessity”, Saysh has expanded to a fashion retailer and recently raised $8 million in Series A funding.
Beyond her personal experiences, Felix has consistently used her platform to advocate for gender equality in sports. She has been a vocal supporter of equal pay and opportunities for women athletes, emphasizing the importance of dismantling barriers and challenging stereotypes in the world of athletics.
Allyson Felix’s story is a testament to the transformative power of athletes using their voices for positive change. Her advocacy extends far beyond the track, influencing policies and perceptions in the sports world and inspiring women around the globe to stand up for their rights. By sharing her journey, and going beyond to build a sportswear brand for women she has not only solidified her place as a sporting legend but also as a beacon of empowerment and equality for generations to come. As she continues to break records on the track, Allyson Felix also leaves a lasting mark in the fight for a more inclusive and equitable future for women.
Something interesting to read
https://news.yahoo.com/raising-8m-investors-saysh-wes-192709837.html?guccounter=1
Something interesting to watchhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngWHorCGHH4
