Allyson Felix, the most decorated female track athlete in Olympic history, has announced her intention to make a comeback at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The 40-year-old sprinter, who boasts 11 Olympic medals including seven golds, last competed at the 2022 World Championships. After welcoming her second child in 2024, she skipped the Paris Olympics but now feels drawn to the prospect of racing on home soil.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Speaking to Time magazine, Felix described the potential return as a 'once-in-a-lifetime homecoming.' She acknowledged her age but emphasised the unique allure of competing in front of a home crowd. 'I know, at 40, I am not at my peak. I have no illusions about that,' she said. 'But this is the only thing powerful enough to pull me back.'
Felix recalled the roar of support for host-country athletes at previous Olympics and expressed a desire to experience that. 'I would love to experience that,' she added. 'I would probably be upset at myself if I just didn't give it a try. However it turns out, I'll still be there with my kids, hanging out and cheering everybody on.'
A Storied Career
Felix's Olympic journey began at Athens 2004, where she won silver in the 200m. She later claimed gold in the same event at London 2012. A versatile sprinter, she has been a key member of successful 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams. Her World Championships record is equally impressive, with 20 medals (14 gold) – the most by any athlete, male or female.
The road to LA 2028 will be challenging, as Felix must navigate the rigorous US Olympic trials. She will be 42 by the time the Games commence. 'So many of us have been told not to do the big, bold thing,' Felix reflected. 'At this age, I should probably be staying home and taking care of my kids. But why not? Let's flip it on its head. Let's go after the thing. Let's be vulnerable.'
