Sprinter Allyson Felix, a decorated figure in track and field, has declared her intention to pursue a comeback with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as her target.
At 42 years old during the Games, Felix plans to resume training in October, eyeing a sixth Olympic appearance and aiming to compete on home soil. This move positions her to potentially add to her already record-breaking Olympic medal collection of 11 – seven gold, three silver, and one bronze – making her the most decorated female track and field athlete in Olympic history.
Felix's decision comes after she stepped away from the sport following the Tokyo Olympics five years ago, having accumulated her impressive medal tally. Her stated motivation centers on challenging perceptions of women in their 40s and embracing the opportunity to compete in her native Los Angeles. She drew inspiration from athletes like Tom Brady and LeBron James, who have achieved success at advanced ages in their respective sports.
The road back to the U.S. Olympic team is expected to be a demanding one, given the country's depth of sprinting talent. To qualify, Felix would likely need to reach the finals of the 100m or 400m at the Olympic Trials, or secure a top-three finish in an individual event. Consideration for relay pools would require at least reaching the finals.
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Felix's involvement with the LA28 Organizing Committee, where she serves on the Athletes’ Commission, further entwines her with the Games. Her previous training grounds at UCLA also connect her to the Los Angeles landscape. The sprinter has openly discussed her struggle with identity post-retirement, a challenge she now seeks to redefine through this ambitious comeback attempt.
The announcement has generated significant attention, with Felix framing her pursuit as a conscious decision to "go after the thing," regardless of the outcome, and to inspire others by "flipping it on its head."
