Allison Felix: Olympic Icon and Maternal Health Advocate

Allison Felix, former track and field Olympian, advocates for gender equality and maternal rights, using her platform to support female athletes with children.

### Allison Felix: Balancing Motherhood, Advocacy, and Olympic Legacy
* 🏅  Retired track and field star Allison Felix reflects on her first Olympics as a spectator, describing it as a "**different experience**" and "**odd**" not being on the track.
* 🤰  As a mother of two, Felix emphasizes the importance of supporting working parent athletes, highlighting the **new Nursery in the Olympic Village for parent athletes**.
* 📢  Felix discusses the changing attitudes towards working mom athletes since her 2019 public criticism of Nike's maternity policies, noting **progress** but also acknowledging there's "**still more work to be done**".
* ♀️  She sees the increased attention on women's sports this year as a positive trend, stating, "**If we continue in this path, this will be here to stay**."
* 🤱  On the issue of black maternal mortality, Felix stresses the need for action, stating, "We have to do something about it. And until we do, there's **not going to be an improvement**."
* 💰  Felix shares her humbling experience of receiving a grant from Melinda French Gates for advancing women's health, and expresses **excitement about the impact it will have on black maternal health**.
* 🏋️‍♀️  Discussing the pressures on athletes, Felix highlights the importance of mental health, stating, "I hope that we continue to provide resources for athletes as they deal with the **very real struggles** that happen when you're competing at the **top level**."
* 🌍  As a candidate for the International Olympic Committee's Athletes' Commission, Felix aims to address issues such as **doping, fair play, and athlete well-being**, emphasizing the need for a **holistic approach to athlete support**.

### Alison Felix: From Olympic Champion to Advocate and Entrepreneur
* 🏅  Alison Felix discusses her transition from professional athlete to advocate and entrepreneur, highlighting the **challenges of moving on from a 20-year athletic career**.
* 🧠  She emphasizes the importance of **breaking down big goals into manageable steps**, a strategy she used in athletics and now applies to her work.
* 👩‍👧‍👦  Felix is passionate about supporting female athletes with children, advocating for **childcare at major sporting events**.
* 🌍  The Olympics, according to Felix, **humanize global issues** by putting a face to athletes from less privileged countries, **fostering empathy and understanding**.
* 🗳️  She stresses the importance of **showing up and voting** to protect women's rights and make necessary changes.
* 👩‍👧‍👦  Felix's ultimate hope is for her work to **empower people in various spaces, from athletes to working mothers**, to **push for change and challenge traditional norms**.

The Olympic Spirit — and How You Can Tap Into It | Allyson Felix | TED

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Allison Felix, a retired track and field star, is now a vocal advocate for maternal rights and gender equality.

Despite feeling the loss of not competing, she is enjoying the new experience of being a spectator at the Olympics, particularly loving gymnastics and swimming.

She emphasizes the importance of highlighting the work of athletes beyond sports and sees a positive shift in attitudes towards working parent athletes, especially working moms, with the inclusion of a nursery in the Olympic Village.

WNBA star's advocacy is gaining recognition, especially in women's sports, calling for increased support and attention to a wider range of sports.

She has been awarded a significant grant to advance women's health, focusing on black maternal mortality, and plans to allocate the funds to organizations in the space.

The athlete is campaigning for a seat on the International Olympic Committee's Athletes' Commission, aiming to bring about change in the Olympic Games, including expanding the family space, addressing doping issues, and advocating for athletes impacted by global events.

The Impact of Mental Health on Olympic Athletes

The pressure to perform at the highest level can significantly impact an athlete's mental health, especially with the expectation of superhuman feats and the weight of public anticipation.

Many athletes feel the pressure to push through at any cost, leading to mental health struggles, but there is a growing recognition of the need to prioritize mental well-being and have more open conversations about it.

The culture of perfectionism in elite sports, combined with the pressure to succeed, can contribute to the use of performance-enhancing drugs, and it's crucial to address the support system around athletes to prevent doping.

Spectators also play a role in the mental health of athletes, as they need to recognize the humanity of the competitors and the lasting impact of both wins and losses.

Athletes need to remember that they will be okay, regardless of whether they achieve their goals or not, and to put things into perspective, especially in the face of social media pressure.

Embracing the training process and finding motivation in their support system and loved ones is crucial for drowning out the mental noise and staying focused.

The Olympic competitive world needs to provide better resources for mental health, including therapy and support for both athletes and coaches, while also encouraging a more modern and supportive approach to coaching.

The transition from professional athlete to activist and entrepreneur has been a natural progression, with the individual now defining themselves as an entrepreneur and advocate.

The Challenging Transition from Athlete to Advocate

Retiring from the track has been a difficult transition for the athlete, causing a sense of loss and loneliness.

Her training in facing adversity and pursuing long-term goals has helped her navigate this transition.

The athlete's definition of success has evolved from a narrow focus on winning to a broader emphasis on purpose and creating impact.

The Olympics' Impact on Dreams and Change

The Olympics inspire young people to pursue their passions and remind them that success is not a straight path.

It also shows that everyone can make an impact, not just elite athletes, influencing the way people choose their dreams.

The event puts a human face on different countries and their struggles, inspiring a new perspective on global issues and the need for change.

The Impact of Global Interaction on Advocacy Work

Interacting with people from around the world has strengthened the interviewee's empathy and commitment to inclusive work.

They are focused on supporting female athletes with children, advocating for childcare at major sporting events, and addressing maternal health through policy and reform.

The interviewee emphasizes the importance of showing up and voting to make a difference in women's rights, especially in an election year.

Their success as a career athlete has positioned them to make meaningful changes and they are inspired by figures like Jackie Joyner-Kersee for their advocacy work.

The Impact of the Olympics on Women's Sports

Alison talks about the Olympics highlighting issues and bringing attention to women in sports, providing impactful examples for young girls and boys.

She expresses hope that the momentum in women's sports will have a lasting impact on the younger generation.

Alison also emphasizes the importance of diverse exposure for children and being a supportive mother, while also aiming to empower people to push for change in traditional norms.