While Usain Bolt is the king of men’s track and field events, American sprinter Allyson Felix is the queen. Remarkably, Felix became the most decorated American sprinter, surpassing the legendary Carl Lewis.

Allyson bagged 11 Olympic medals in her eventful sprinting career. However, while the ride looks smooth from the outside, Felix had to overcome unimaginable trials to reach the heights she is at today.

Allyson Felix called quits with Nike

Felix made her first Olympic appearance in 2004, and since then, she has only wowed fans with her performance on the field. However, her Tokyo Olympics 2020 appearance was impactful. Her showdown in Japan was the first time she competed, after becoming a mother in 2018. Notably, with conflicts and controversies, Felix had a difficult pregnancy.

Notably, in times when she needed support, she faced contractual issues with Nike. The celebrity brand decided to cut Allyson’s pay by 70%, citing her pregnancy as the reason. However, it was then that Felix took the daring step of calling it quits with the multinational brand.

In conversation with Forbes, she opened up about what was her inspiration to take the step. Felix said. “I think one of the lessons that I really learned is that you have to use your voice to do something about things. You have to move forward. And for the longest, there had been wishing for change in silence, and sitting back and saying, okay, well I’m sure somebody else is going to take on this fight.”

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She further added, “But then realizing that, no I have a responsibility myself, I sit in a place where I have some privilege, and I have a platform and I need to do something with that.”

Felix creates history with her own shoe brand

After ending her relationship with Nike, Felix started her own shoe brand called ‘Saysh’. Notably, she donned her brand while taking to the track at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, sending a statement to her haters. Commendably, the American star brought home two Olympic medals; she won a gold and a bronze.

Allyson has set forward an example for the upcoming generation of sprinters, to prioritize their own value. Notably, her triumphant journey on the track, despite having a difficult time personally, is a testament to her character.

Also read: Allyson Felix Reveals She Started Running as a Way to Make Friends in Childhood