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Allyson Felix on Turning Advocacy Into Action for Women and Mothers in Sport

25 Jul '25
By The Shift

Image by Harrison Boyce

25 Jul '25
By The Shift

Image by Harrison Boyce

The Shift highlights women’s stories through the lens of impact. It hopes to contextualize history and inspire action.

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Allyson Felix remains the most decorated American Track & Field Olympian in history, with 11 Olympic medals, and a fierce advocate for women. After challenging maternity protections in sports, she founded Saysh in 2021—the first footwear brand to design, manufacture, and sell athletic-inspired shoes built off women’s feet. In 2024, she launched Always Alpha, the first sports management firm focused solely on women’s sports, continuing to push boundaries and redefine what it means to win both on and off the track.

The Shift:

What is one defining moment in your career or life that empowered you to create change, and how has it shaped the path you’re on today?

Allyson:

One defining moment that empowered me to create change was when I publicly spoke out against the lack of maternal protection for female athletes. At the time, I was struggling to negotiate a contract that didn’t penalize me for choosing motherhood, and I realized that if I, as one of the most decorated athletes in my sport, was facing this, countless others were too. That experience shaped my path by pushing me to use my platform to advocate for change-not just for myself but for all women. It led to real policy shifts in sponsorship agreements and fueled my commitment to creating spaces where women, especially mothers, don’t have to choose between their careers and their families.

The Shift:

Name three women who inspire you

Allyson:

Gloria Steinem, Michelle Obama, Jackie Joyner-Kersee

 

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Allyson Felix is honored as part of The Shift’s “90 Plus One” list, which recognizes influential women shaping contemporary culture. With Gloria Steinem featured on the inaugural print cover, the list pays homage to her 91 years of activism by highlighting a powerhouse community of women shifting culture.