The world’s most decorated track athlete has finished her final race and is officially retired. Allyson Felix, 36, competed in her last race on Friday at the Track and Field World Championships.
According to NBC Sports, she sported Team USA in the second leg of the mixed 4×400 meter relay, winning a bronze medal.
“It was an emotional day,” Felix said. “There was a point earlier today where I just started breaking down.”
Even so, Felix is grateful for the experience. “It was just a night to be grateful,” she said. “All the messages I got. Just hearing how much people thought I meant to the sport. And then tonight, it really was a special night.”
In the weeks and days leading up to her final race, Felix shared several touching Instagram posts commemorating her track career.
In a post she shared Friday, she wrote, “If I could describe it all in one photo. Swipe to see the journey that brought me here. Here’s what I can tell you about that journey. There have been more tears than celebrations, more doubt than confidence, more prayer than trash talking. What I’ve learned is that you have to keep going. Just don’t quit. When you get knocked down, get back up. Ask for help because you’ll never do it alone. Take small steps toward your passion, and you’ll end up in your purpose.
Be brave with your life because you’ll have an impact on people that you never thought was possible. Nothing but love.”
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In another post, Felix wrote, “Don’t be sad it’s over, be happy it happened.”
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Farewells and retirement wishes have poured in from athletes and organizations who have watched Felix compete since she was 18.
From a teenage phenom to the most decorated in history. ?@allysonfelix competes at her final major championships. #ThankYouAllyson pic.twitter.com/wQCWlrtO8d
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) July 16, 2022
11 Olympic medals
18 world championship medals
Most decorated female track and field athlete in history
20 years of incredible memoriesToday, Allyson Felix bids farewell to professional competition. We will miss you on the track, @allysonfelix! ? pic.twitter.com/UOzCDQ2dLQ
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 15, 2022
Either way it went it was always understood …. @allysonfelix
Thank you for everything you poured to become the person you are now.
Thank you for courageously calling for change.
Grateful for every opportunity we War’d together ! !
?TO THE NEXT CHAPTER! pic.twitter.com/bM5Y7fY8MV— English Gardner , OLY (@UgHLyDuCkLiN) July 16, 2022
Thank you, Allyson, for being the epitome of the perfect athlete. Your career has inspired many, and you are an incredible athlete role model.
