FILE – Allyson Felix of the United States competes in the women’s 4×400 meters final during the World Athletics Championships in London on August 13, 2017. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)
Allyson Felix, the most decorated woman in Olympic track and field history, plans to return to competition with a goal of reaching the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where she will be 42 years old. Felix, who retired after the Tokyo Olympics and last competed at the 2022 IAAF World Championships in Eugene, is targeting what will be her sixth Olympic appearance, a project she has developed internally as “Project VI.” The Games, which are held in her city of Los Angeles, constitute the center of this ambition.
His record-setting career is truly unparalleled
Felix’s career numbers put her in a class of her own. She has won 11 Olympic medals, seven gold, three silver and one bronze, the highest total of any woman in Olympic athletics.
At the World Championships, she collected 20 medals, bringing her total medals in major global events to 31. Her Olympic journey began in 2004, when she won silver in the 200 meters. She won her first gold medal in 2008 in the 4×400 meter relay at the Beijing Olympics, where she added another silver in the 200 meter dash. Over the next decade, she became a central figure in the United States’ relay dominance, winning six of its seven Olympic gold medals in the team events, along with the individual 200-meter gold at the 2012 London Olympics.
At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, she added a relay gold and a bronze in the 400 meters before stepping away from the sport.
Why is Los Angeles pulling its back?
Felix has been clear that the location of the 2028 Games was the deciding factor behind her decision.“This is a once-in-a-lifetime homecoming.“And that’s the only thing strong enough to bring me back,” she said in an interview with The Times. “I know that at 40 I’m not in my prime. I have no illusions about that,” she said.
“I’m very clear about what it is and what I want to see. And so I hope it will be seen that way.”
The prospect of competing in front of a home audience remained central to her thinking. “When I was competing, I just heard this hype of the host country’s athletes at the Olympics. I would love to try that.” Her goal is to be part of the opening ceremony on July 14, 2028, even if qualification itself remains uncertain.
A comeback built on family and timing
Allyson Felix, who serves on the Athlete Committee of the LA28 Olympic Organizing Committee, is approaching her comeback with a different structure than her previous career.
Now a mother of two, daughter Camryn, 7, and son Trey, 2, she said she will not return to a full world competition schedule. Instead, she plans to begin a full training program with coach Bobby Kersee in October, with the expectation of returning to sanctioned competition in 2027 to meet qualification requirements for the U.S. Olympic Trials.
She gave birth to her second child in 2024 and has spent the past few years away from elite competition, a period that has shaped how she approaches a potential return. Commenting on her retirement from the sport, she said: “It was definitely mixed emotions. There were moments when I said: ‘Oh, this is so cool. It’s very exciting to be in the stands and on the other side. And then there were moments where I said: ‘You know, I miss that feeling.’
A return without illusions
Felix has repeatedly emphasized that the attempt is not driven by external expectations or financial incentives. “I think track and field wouldn’t be the place to do it for money,” she said with a laugh.
“I feel very satisfied.” Instead, motivation is tied to the idea of trying, regardless of the outcome. “I’d probably be upset with myself if I didn’t try it. “Still, I’ll still be there with my kids, hanging out and cheering everyone on.”
Allyson Felix shocks fans at 40 after returning from retirement to chase her 2028 Los Angeles Olympic dreams (Image via Getty)
She also acknowledged the reality of making a comeback at this point in her life and career. “You know, at this age, I should probably stay home and take care of my kids, do all that.
And just, why not? Let’s turn it upside down.” “I totally get the person who stays for too long, and you’re like, ‘What are they doing?’ I know that at 40 I’m not at my peak. I don’t have any illusions about it. I’m very clear about what it is and what I want to see. And so I hope it’s seen that way.”
What lies ahead
Felix’s plan does not guarantee a return to the Olympic arena, given the depth of competition in track and field in the United States and the requirements of the qualifying process.
For now, the focus is on rebuilding gradually, with training expected to resume towards the end of 2026, followed by a return to racing in 2027, and if all goes well, a push towards the 2028 Olympic Trials.If successful, it would mark the 24-year period between her first Olympic medal in 2004 and her potential appearance in Los Angeles.Whether she joins the team or not, Felix framed her bid in simple terms, as an opportunity she didn’t want to leave unexplored.
