Heritage Association Spotlight: Allyson Felix

The Heritage Association Spotlight was created to profile USC student-athlete alumni who give back to the University.

For Olympic track athlete Allyson Felix, the city of Los Angeles has always held a great deal of significance. So it was a no-brainer when Allyson decided to couple her athletic career with a degree from the University of Southern California.

"[I consider myself to be] a Los Angeles girl, through and through," she says. "My whole family is from here, so it's kind of ingrained into who I am. My brother and my dad went to USC, so we grew up being huge Trojan fans. It was always one of my top choices."

Allyson attended Los Angeles Baptist High School where she was first introduced to the sport of Track and Field. "I was at a new school and was encouraged to come to the track to meet new people." She says. "Things took off from there."

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As it would turn out, Allyson showed quite a bit of promise as a track athlete in those days and earned herself the nickname "Chicken Legs" because of her slim physique despite her explosive strength. In 2003, Allyson graduated with the national girls' title of "High School Athlete of the Year" by Track and Field News, and signed a professional contract with Adidas.

"Since I got into track a little bit later than most runners, competing at such a high level was not on my radar," she says. "It was much later at the end of high school that I started thinking it could be a very real possibility."

Though she would forgo college eligibility, Allyson had her sights set on even greater challenges and would go on to compete as a 6-time Olympic gold medalist and an 11-time World Champion, becoming the youngest gold medalist ever in the 200 meters at the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki.

"It was kind of a whirlwind when it first all happened," says Allyson. "I was in high school, and then was a national champion, and then an Olympian. It was kind of overwhelming and this was all completely new to me. It was really neat, but a bit overwhelming at the beginning. When I first qualified for the Olympics, it was a real thrill. I was only 18-years old."

Throughout her competitive years, Allyson has found much of her support in her family. Her mother, a now-retired 3^rd-grade teacher, and father, a pastor and seminary professor, encouraged Allyson to compete with faith at her side.

"I feel like my talent is a gift and a blessing from God, and I try to use it that way. It also helps me to see the big picture and my faith helps bring everything into perspective." She says. "That was something my parents always emphasized. Work ethic was [also] really big, and to lead by example. Character and integrity were very important in my family."

Allyson's older brother Wes Felix, a retired professional track and field athlete, USC sprinter and Pac-10 Champion, has also continued to support his sister as her agent and confidant.

"I think we have a unique relationship. He's always been a great big brother and tried to take care of me, so it was really seamless when we started working together." She says. "It's been great to travel the world together and what not. You never think it'll happen, that you'll work with your sibling, but when it does it makes [these experiences] that much better."

Allyson, who received her Bachelor's in Education, considers her experiences as a high-level competitor to be her greatest educator.

"It's all about the long-term," she says. "That patience is key in accomplishing anything. The Olympics was the greatest teacher. My first Olympics I got silver medals, and I had to figure out what to do to reach that next level. I learned that I am a fighter, and I can keep pushing when things are tough."

Something understandably tough for the Olympian was finding a balance between her studies and her sport.

"I received my degree from the Rossier School of Education, but it was extremely difficult. I was studying in Europe at one point, so I didn't have any extra support. It was rocky until I got the hang of it. It was a big challenge to do both things at once!"

But, for Allyson, pursuing a degree in Education was never optional. "I grew up in my mom's classrooms, so it's always been something I have felt drawn to. Even when I was feeling it was a struggle to do both, I had that mindset to push through and get through the challenge, just like I did in my sport."

In life after track, Allyson plans to continue her relationship with both education and her sport, embodying the role model she considers her mother to be.

"I definitely want to work with kids in some capacity. There are a lot of organizations like [the global organization] Right to Play. Children are super close to my heart and I want to champion them, but also stay connected to my sport and advocate for children there."

Allyson treasures what the University means to her and is always thrilled to represent USC at the highest level of competition. Her goal, however, is to leave an even more meaningful legacy. "While I hope to be remembered for being a great athlete, I want to be remembered more so for investing in young people's lives and continuing to advocate for youth and their opportunities. I've always believed, from day one, that it's important to stay involved and give back."

Fun Facts
What athlete do you look up to?
"I look up to Serena Williams. She continues to prove people wrong. She is always proving people wrong and doing what they say she can't."

How do you embody the spirit of a Trojan?
"I feel like I am the biggest fan, and I try to hold myself to that competitive spirit."
*Allyson was awarded the 2017 USC Young Alumni Merit Award, an honor bestowed on alumni who truly embody the Trojan spirit.

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring Olympic athletes?
"I would tell them to think long term. We want success right away but it's not always realistic. To be great at anything it takes a really long time: learn from the journey and the ups and downs—those will be the biggest lessons and it's important to embrace it all. You should be in it for the long haul."

If you are a member of the USC student-athlete alumni community, or would like more information about the Heritage Association, please click here!

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Heritage Association Spotlight: Allyson Felix

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