For Allyson Felix, it wasn't quite a golden farewell.
Nevertheless, it was a special moment that she will never forget and had been looking forward to for almost 20 years.
At the track and field world championships in 2022, Felix won her 30th significant international medal by running the second leg of the mixed-gender 4x400 relay as the Americans took home the bronze.
Felix, who came into the track scene as a youngster in Los Angeles and has grown into one of the sport's biggest stars, said, "To be able to come here in front of a home audience, it's something I've always desired." It meant a lot to be able to experience that moment with my daughter Cammy even though I was obviously not in the prime of my career when I finished here tonight.
A true legend. 🐐#ThankYouAllyson@allysonfelix x #WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/mxaSq5y5wW
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) July 16, 2022
Along with the seven gold, three silver, and one bronze medals she won in five Olympic appearances, the 36-year-old will retire from the sport next month with 19 medals from world championships.
Kennedy Simon was passed in the final meters by runners from the Dominican Republic and the Netherlands, who won gold and silver, respectively, in the Friday night final at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. The U.S. team of Felix, Elija Godwin, Vernon Norwood, and Kennedy Simon had led for a significant portion of the race.
Felix made fun of Cammy, age 3, saying that she "doesn't grasp it" since her mother's accomplishments are too great for a young child to understand in the weeks leading up to her competitive farewell. Perhaps as Cammy ages, she will develop a romantic interest in track. Perhaps she won't. Felix is certain that her little daughter may still learn valuable skills that apply to all facets of life.
Felix remarked, "I think it's about being a fighter. "No matter what you do, that's a spirit I hope she carries over, a confidence I hope she has, and that's what I want to teach her—that you always stand up for what you believe in, for what's right," the speaker said.
And then, laughing: "And if she stays off the rails, I'll be overjoyed. She will be inspired to achieve a lot more things by me."
This moment. ❤️@OnHerTurf | #WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/z0lUqZe650
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) July 16, 2022
Felix made her retirement announcement earlier this year. She was chosen to compete in the mixed-gender relay even though she did not make the cut for an individual position on the world championship squad. At the previous global championships in Doha, Qatar, in 2019, Felix assisted the Americans in winning gold in the competition.
Felix recognized that earlier in her career, a bronze medal could have been depressing. But this time, she was just overcome with thankfulness.
She stated, "I never would have believed that would have been a position that I'd come to, but I have, the last two years I've moved beyond just the clock and the medals. "I think it has been about having a representation for moms and women; I truly felt that tonight.
"I experienced bliss flowing tonight."
Her colleagues claimed that her legacy goes well beyond the track.
Norwood remarked, "What she did for the sport speaks for itself.
Godwin said, "There isn't just one narrative that can describe the effect she's had on the sport. "It's a gift to get the opportunity to compete alongside her since she is a legend in the sport."
And sure, she is well-known to them as well.
Godwin grinned and remarked, "It seems like we're part of history to have a picture with her. "For me, that is the most crucial component. I simply want to be in her photo.
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