?Had My Own Doubts? – Allyson Felix Reveals She Nearly Quit Her Career After Childbirth

With 11 medals to her name, Allyson Felix is the most decorated female athlete in Olympic track and field history. Since making her Olympic debut in 2004, she established herself as a medal favorite in the women’s 200m and 400m events and often exceeded expectations.

Although she tasted immense success on the track, she doubted her capabilities following the birth of her daughter, Camryn in 2018. Recently, the 35-year-old spoke about her struggles after giving birth to her two-year-old daughter.

Allyson Felix reveals her struggles after giving birth

Since turning pro in 2003, Felix rarely missed an athletic meet. Be it the Olympics or the World Championships, the 35-year-old didn’t just take part on the global stage, but succeeded as well.

However, her tryst with motherhood changed her in more ways than one. Along with the physical health issues she suffered, she also doubted herself due to the need to stay away from competition. In a recent interaction with PEOPLE, Felix admitted she didn’t quite feel like herself while doubting her ability to return to her former self.

She said,?“It’s hard to quiet that noise. I also had my own doubts about whether I could ever get back to myself again [after childbirth].”

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Felix: Surrounding myself with positivity helped me

Despite her struggles, Felix revealed how her ability to find positivity helped her bounce back. In addition, she admitted data that signified her pace motivated her as well.

“What really helped was surrounding myself with positivity and people who believed in me. That and looking at the data that I was on pace,”?said the 35-year-old. After these struggles, Felix competed in the Tokyo Olympics, where she won a bronze medal in the 400m event. In her interaction, she also spoke about how her performance in the Japanese capital instilled her with pride.

“To have that come together at the games was really special. I was proud to represent other moms. I know so many other people have felt that same way or have been told that same thing.”

With her bronze medal in Tokyo, Felix also became the most decorated American track and field athlete. Her Olympic medal tally stands at seven gold medals, three silver and one bronze.

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