When Allyson Felix heard that the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo could be postponed, she couldn’t help feeling a sense of profound disappointment and loss. “But simultaneously, I knew it was a choice that had to be made,” she says. “I knew it had been for the health of the athletes and the world in general.”

Despite the letdown, the most decorated American track-and-field athlete maintains a sense of hope, even as the COVID-19 pandemic has cloaked her dream in uncertainty.

“Most people are experiencing this,” she adds. “We’re all inside it together, no matter what industry you’re in. So it’s a mixture of emotions, really, and hope the Olympics aren’t canceled. They’re only postponed for the time being, so that’s something to look forward to.”

This unflappability has been a touchstone of Felix’s career. Since her first Olympic performance in 2004, the legendary sprinter has experienced an urgent situation C-section, a harrowing 29 times of having her newborn daughter, Camryn, within the NICU, and a public dispute with former sponsor Nike.

Rather than let these challenges slow her down, however, she's learned to embrace each hurdle as an opportunity for growth.

Inspired by the challenges she’s faced, Felix has become an advocate for numerous causes, including maternity protections for female athletes, the black maternal-mortality crisis, and empowering youth through play.

“Personally i think like having Camryn really helped me find my voice,” she notes. “I’ve found the courage to use it in some areas where I would’ve shied away before, and I’ve really focused on my experience and stuff that I’ve gone through.”

Looking back, Felix appreciates just how much she’s learned as well as how her perspective is different. “When I was younger, I didn’t really realize that there are so many important moments of growth in character when you lose or when things aren’t going perfectly,” she says.

Upon further reflection, she adds, “I have that same desire to do well and also to have success — but to me, success looks a great deal different now.”

So although the road to Felix’s dream may be unclear for the time being, she’s determined to make the most of each moment. “In 2004, I was so centered on the destination and trying to win a medal. Now when i prepare for my fifth Olympics and trying to make that team, it’s by pointing out process, the journey, and what I’ve learned on the way.”

Experience Life | As you juggle your training with your other roles and responsibilities, how can you overcome the challenges on hard days?

Allyson Felix | I’m still learning and figuring it out, but what helps me the most is asking for help. That’s not something which comes easy for me — I’m unfamiliar with it — but I’ve really had the opportunity to rely on my family and understand that I’m not in this alone.

On days after i feel like I’m killing it around the track or in the gym, I sometimes seem like I’m not doing as well at home as a mom and every one of that. Other days, it’s the opposite. I think it’s important to understand that there are going to be those moments which it’s OK. I’ve learned to lean on the people who love me and who're there to help me.

When I’m feeling down, having friends and family who are uplifting and encouraging helps me see the positive in many situations and scenarios. Whatever space I’m in, I attempt to look on the bright side of products.

EL | You’ve experienced a lot of changes over the past couple of years — becoming a mom is a nice big one! What has that taught you? 

AF | My dear gosh, so much. What I notice most of all is how it helps me put things into perspective.

As an athlete, I’m really hard on myself and I can dwell on things for a long time. But being a mom snaps you out of that quickly. You might have a poor race, or a bad competition, but when someone needs their diaper changed or to be fed, you really understand what is essential and meaningful to you. I really like how it’s taught me to become ready for anything and to enjoy all of the moments along the way.

I can’t wait to share with Cammy what the last couple of years have been like, and why it’s so important to me, and really bring her along around the journey with me.

EL | Could you tell us a little about your work as an activist?

AF | At this time, I’m focusing on the black maternal-mortality crisis. I had the opportunity to go before Congress and share my story last May, and recently I’ve been carrying out work with March of Dimes to battle for the health of mothers and babies. I’d prefer to bring more awareness to the issues women of color face surrounding childbirth. It’s a problem that’s not on a lot of people’s radar, and that i want to bring a light to the issue and do more work for the cause.

I also sit on the board of To Play, which goes into disadvantaged countries and those that have either seen war or coping some sort of hardship, and uses play and exercise as an opportunity to teach lessons, to show about dealing with their surroundings, and to teach conflict resolution. I’ve been associated with the organization for a number of years now, and I’ve been able to get in the field and do work with the organization.

EL | You recently applied for a partnership with Athleta. What inspires you about this company in particular?

AF | I really had this authentic connection with this brand. I love its mission of concentrating on women and girls and empowering them through sport. I feel like Athleta is in a space where they're supporting women, not just on the surface, but actually through the work they're doing — even with some of the smaller things, like with marketing. I think they put out healthy images of what women look like in all body types.

I hope to further the work with women and young girls as well, that is so important to me now that I've got a daughter. I also have a signature line being released, and being able to explore some of my other passions is exciting.

EL | How has the coronavirus crisis affected your training?

AF | It’s really hard. It makes it challenging when your job is to train and to prepare. We’ve had to get really creative and adapt a lot of things.

I try to do most things throughout my house. Thankfully, I have a home gym and I’m able to do all of my weightlifting here. And my coach has measured off distances in my neighborhood so that I can run beyond my door. But it’s definitely taken a lot of creativity and it’s not the normal training that I do.

We’re still moving forward, though, and that’s what’s important. Throughout my career I’ve had to endure all different kinds of adversity. I believe that this is just another form — also to overcome. I think I’ll really see how dedicated and disciplined I'm able to be, and I’m just trying to stay focused.