Allyson Felix won her first-round heat of the 400 meters as she began her Tokyo quest for a 10th Olympic medal.
The 35-year-old Felix, who’s competing at her fifth Olympics, has six gold medals and three silvers on her résumé. She’s tied with Jamaican great Merlene Ottey for the most women’s track medals in Olympic history. Felix has a chance to medal in the 400 and may have another shot in the women’s 4 x 400 this weekend.
Before her race, she was introduced as a legend.
Felix ran in spikes designed by her new company, Saysh. It made the moment more special. The only thing missing was her young daughter, Camryn, who’s back home.
“It’s changed everything,” Felix said of motherhood. “It’s given me a different drive ... I think it’s even more meaningful to be on this stage as a mom.”