Allyson Felix Aims for 2028 Olympics Return
Allyson Felix, the most decorated athlete in track and field history, is aiming to add more medals to her impressive collection. At 40 years old, she’s announced her intention to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, happening in her hometown.
“A lot of us are told not to pursue big, ambitious goals,” Felix shared about her comeback. “At my age, I should probably just be at home, taking care of the kids. But why not turn that on its head? Let’s go after things. Let’s embrace vulnerability.”
When the Olympics start, Felix will be 42, but she has a history of excellence, boasting 11 Olympic medals, seven of which are gold, across five different events. She pointed to other athletes over 40, like Tom Brady and LeBron James, who have shattered expectations.
Felix believes she’s got one last shot at Olympic success. If she qualifies, she would make history as the first American sprinter to compete at that age, which, in sprinting—known for its youth—would be quite remarkable.
The competition will be fierce. In 2028, other sprinters like Sha’Carri Richardson and Gabby Thomas will also be vying for a spot on the Olympic team. Still, Felix’s legacy, dating back to her debut in Athens in 2004, motivates many young female athletes, and she remains undeterred.
Felix won a silver medal in the 200-meter dash in 2022 and previously earned gold in the 4×400 meter relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Her career highlights include a trio of gold medals from the London Games and participation in the Rio and Tokyo Games before announcing her retirement after the 2022 season.
Currently, Felix serves on the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes Commission and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee Board. She’s also set to be inducted into the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame in 2025. Yet, her desire to compete is strong; she plans to return to the track.
After returning to competitive events last year, Felix announced she would fully commit to training for her Olympic comeback this October. If, for some reason, she doesn’t make the team, she still intends to attend the 2028 Games with her children to support Team USA.
