Allyson Felix, the most decorated female athlete in Olympic athletics history with 11 medals, has announced her intention to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. In an interview published this Monday, the 40-year-old American revealed she is preparing for what would be her sixth Olympic appearance, set to take place in her hometown when she turns 42.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime homecoming,” Felix told Time magazine. “It’s the only thing strong enough to bring me back.”
Felix, who skipped the Paris 2024 Olympics, holds a record 20 World Championships medals—the most by any athlete, male or female—including 14 titles. Her Olympic medal collection includes a lone individual gold in the 200 meters at London 2012, along with team golds in the 4×400 relay (Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2021) and 4×100 relay (2012, 2016). She also earned silver in the 200 meters (2004, 2008) and 400 meters (2016), as well as bronze in the 400 meters at Tokyo 2021.
A strong advocate for mothers returning to sports, Felix gave birth to a daughter in 2018 and a son in 2024. She attended the Paris 2024 Games as a spectator, which rekindled her competitive desire. “I’m no longer at my athletic peak. It was definitely a mix of emotions,” she admitted. “There were moments when I thought, ‘This is fantastic—being in the stands and experiencing it from the other side.’ And then there were moments when I thought, ‘I miss this feeling.’”
Felix, who also serves on the Athletes’ Commission of the Los Angeles 2028 Organizing Committee, remains realistic about her goal. “I know that at 40, I’m no longer at my peak. I have no illusions about that,” she said. “I would probably reproach myself for not trying. Regardless of the outcome, I’ll be there with my children, enjoying the atmosphere and cheering everyone on.”