Allyson Felix: Safety of women athletes ‘a real problem’

Allyson Felix, a remarkable athlete, has made history with her impressive achievements in track and field. With a staggering 20 World Championship medals and 11 Olympic medals, she stands as the most decorated track and field athlete of all time. However, her influence extends beyond the track; in recent years, she has emerged as a passionate advocate for women's rights, particularly in the area of maternal health. This year, as violence against women athletes has cast a shadow over the sports world, Felix expressed her deep concerns regarding the safety of female athletes in various regions. In an interview with BBC 100 Women, she stated, 'There has to be a change in the culture. Something is not right, and it does make me worry. ' The tragic news of fellow Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei's death, who was killed by her boyfriend in Kenya, left Felix devastated. Cheptegei was the third female athlete to lose her life in Kenya within three years, highlighting a disturbing trend that Felix believes must be addressed. As a newly elected member of the IOC Athletes' Commission, she is determined to prioritize this issue. 'The consequences have to be severe, but I think there has to be more than that,' she emphasized. 'I think we have to rally around the sports community and come together. ' Felix will represent athletes on the IOC Athletes' Commission for the next eight years, and she hopes to make a significant impact during her tenure. Allyson Felix's recognition as one of the inspiring women on the BBC's 100 Women list for 2024 is a testament to her resilience and strength. The theme of this year's list is 'resilience,' which resonates deeply with Felix's own journey. In 2018, while she was 32 weeks pregnant, she faced a life-threatening condition known as severe pre-eclampsia, which necessitated an emergency caesarean section. Her daughter, Camryn, required time in a neonatal intensive care unit, a challenging experience for any parent. The following year, Felix bravely confronted her then-sponsor, Nike, over maternity pay issues. Nike had threatened to reduce her pay by 70% if her performance was affected by her becoming a mother. After her courageous stand, Nike changed its policy to guarantee athletes' pay and bonuses for 18 months surrounding pregnancy. This change not only benefited Felix but also set a precedent for other athletic apparel companies to introduce maternity protections for their sponsored athletes. In her article, Felix described pregnancy as 'the kiss of death' in her industry, highlighting the challenges women face in balancing motherhood and athletic careers. After leaving Nike, she signed with Athleta, a women-focused apparel brand, becoming their first athlete sponsor. Felix expressed her fears about the potential consequences of speaking out, stating, 'I was terrified what the consequences would be. I was terrified how it would be received. ' Despite these fears, she made history less than a year after giving birth by winning her 12th World Championships gold medal in the 4x400m mixed relay, surpassing Usain Bolt's record. This year, Felix has also played a crucial role in ensuring that there is a nursery in the Olympic village, a groundbreaking development for athletes who are mothers. She considers this a significant victory but acknowledges that more work is needed. 'When you do come back, that's a huge barrier to be able to re-enter the sport and figure out travelling the world and who is caring for your child,' she explained. Felix is determined to see sponsors change the way they represent women athletes. Her latest venture, Always Alpha, is a management firm dedicated exclusively to women's sports, which she views as part of her legacy. 'Traditionally, women have been put in the same box as men,' she stated. 'I think women shouldn't be an afterthought, especially as we think about the business and how strategy is created. ' During her negotiations with Nike, she found herself dealing with a team of all men who were making decisions about her return to the sport after childbirth. While there are now more women in positions of power, Felix believes there is still a long way to go. As part of her role with the Athletes' Commission, she aims to listen to other athletes and advocate for their needs. 'If it is your decision to have a child in the midst of your career, then do that,' she said, emphasizing the importance of supporting women who make that choice. Felix, who welcomed her second child this year, has also been vocal about the alarming maternal mortality rates among black women in the United States. This year, she received a $20 million grant from Melinda Gates to improve maternal health outcomes. Felix is not ruling out using this funding to support global projects, as she recognizes the need for change beyond her own community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), black women in the U. S. are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Felix has testified before Congress about the urgent need to address these racial disparities in maternal healthcare. 'There's still an implicit bias in our healthcare system, and we're not seeing the numbers change quick enough,' she stated. She believes that women are often ignored when they voice their health concerns. 'What I hear is that they are not being heard,' she said. 'It's not going to turn around if we're not educating our medical professionals. ' Felix's activism is driven by her desire to create a better world for her children. She wants her daughter to grow up in a society where women's health is prioritized. 'You know, as a parent, we have seen so many things change in the world, it is a scary time,' she reflected. 'I do think about her and her generation and the things that they might be without. ' Ultimately, Felix hopes that her advocacy will inspire her children to make a positive impact in the world. 'I want them always to know that you should have an impact, that you should help others, that you should stand up for what you believe in.