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In the roughly 15 months since giving birth,
Felix carved out a new role on the track and off it, advocating
for better benefits for working mothers and maintaining her
competitive edge as she looks to add to her long list of
accomplishments.
The 34-year-old six-time Olympic champion will be the biggest
name at the NYRR Millrose Games on Saturday at the Armory in New
York, as the most decorated American track and field athlete.
But life could hardly be more different than it was when she
competed in her first Olympics 16 years ago.
"I feel a greater sense of responsibility now," Felix told
Reuters. "Of course, qualifying and going after gold medals is
still on the top of my list but I also feel this opportunity to
show my daughter so many things, show other girls a lot and to
really just stand by a lot of my values."
After giving birth in November 2018, Felix returned to
competition last year and ran in the United States'
record-breaking 4x400 metres mixed relay at the world
championships and said that consistency in training has been
essential.
"With last year being a year coming back from pregnancy and all
of that, it's not my usual buildup," said Felix, whose daughter,
Camryn, was added to her entourage on the road for competition
and training sessions.
"(I'm) just trying to be really smart about everything and being
patient and sticking to the plan – as an athlete that's always
difficult."
But the challenges of pregnancy went beyond the physical: In May
last year, Felix penned an opinion piece in the New York Times
in which she said she faced potential pay cuts from sponsors
including Nike for having children.
"It was outside of my comfort zone, for sure, to talk about a
super personal situation," she explained. "But I do feel like
the reception from women across all industries has been really
encouraging."
The 16-time world championship medal-winner also applauded
middle-distance runner Mary Cain for speaking out against coach
Alberto Salazar for alleged abusive behaviour at the Nike Oregon
Project.
"It just speaks to the power of the collective and what's
happening right now with women and sports and her just feeling
comfortable to be able to come out and to speak her truth,"
Felix said. "It definitely was a wakeup call to a lot of other
people."
'COMPLETELY NEW'
Her post-pregnancy life has also led to a new chapter in her
working relationship with longtime coach Bob Kersee, who has
trained many of the world's elite athletes including wife Jackie
Joyner-Kersee.
"He's brought athletes back after they've had children and so
for him, he's done it. For me, it's completely new," said Felix.
"I think the relationship definitely has shifted. Communication
as far as what I'm feeling, what my body feels like."
Felix plans to compete in the 200-metres and 400-metres this
year, with the U.S. Olympic trials set for June.
"Each race is a stepping stone," said Felix. "(I'm) just looking
to get my legs turning over and getting back into competitive
situations.
"It's kind of just, pieces of the puzzle."
(Reporting By Amy Tennery; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
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