Spotify | Apple Podcasts | TuneIn | Audible
As I’m currently watching the Olympics as I write this, I am in awe of all of these incredible athletes. Seeing the greatest in the world compete against one another in their sports is truly amazing. You know what’s also amazing? Knowing that some of these competitors are mothers. These women have grown, birthed, and continue to sustain life. And they are Olympians. I have wonderful memories of watching the Olympics growing up, and one athlete that I have admired over the years is Allyson Felix. She has done some amazing things as a track and field star, but her work off the track is just as inspiring.
Who is Allyson Felix?
Allyson Felix is the most decorated track and field athlete in history. That’s right! With a record 20 World Championship medals and 11 medals at the Olympic Games — seven gold, three silver, and one bronze — she ranks among the sport’s greats. Throughout her career, Allyson has demonstrated resilience and determination, overcoming setbacks and injuries to achieve greatness on the track. Her dedication to her sport and commitment to excellence have made her a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide. In 2022, Allyson retired from her athletic career after winning her last world championship gold in Eugene, Oregon, ending her career as the most decorated athlete in track and field history.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Felix is also recognized for her advocacy work and leadership in promoting gender equality and diversity in sports. She has been a vocal advocate for maternity rights for athletes, sparking important conversations about supporting women athletes during pregnancy and postpartum. She has also been an advocate for Black maternal health for racial disparities in maternal mortality rates in the U.S. For all of her efforts, Allyson was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People twice, in 2020 and 2021.
Allyson is also a wife and mother to her two children. In November 2018, Allyson gave birth to her daughter, Camryn, early at 32 weeks via emergency C-section due to severe preeclampsia. In April 2024, she welcomed her son, Kenneth (Trey), via an unmedicated VBAC. Her journey as a mother has added a new dimension to her career, inspiring others with her ability to excel both on and off the track.
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, we chat with Allyson Felix about her journey through motherhood — from her career as a professional athlete and Olympic champion to embracing life as a mother of two, as well as her latest partnership with Pampers. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:
- As a new mother of two, how has the transition been from one to two kids?
- Can you share with us your personal journey into motherhood and how it has influenced you?
- We recently learned that Pampers has partnered with you to support premature babies and their families by donating over a million diapers. That is pretty incredible. Can you tell us more about why this cause is important to you?
- This summer, Pampers is working to support preemie parents with the help of Allyson by donating up to one million preemie diapers to NICUs across the country. From July 2, 2024, through September 2, 2024, Pampers will donate one Pampers Preemie Swaddlers diaper to Children’s Miracle Network hospitals for every purchase of a Pampers Swaddlers Huge Pack at Walmart, up to one million diapers.
- What did your recovery process look like after giving birth to your babies, and how do you believe our loved ones can aid in our healing?”
- How do you effectively prioritize the demands of your professional life as an athlete and your role as a mother?
- How has motherhood impacted your career and your priorities?
- What advice would you give to other mothers who are pursuing their professional goals while raising a family?
- What are your hopes and goals for the future, both professionally and personally?
- What are the most important life lessons you want to teach your children?
- What is your top piece of parenting advice you would share with a new mom?
Chatting with Allyson was such a pleasure. Her humbleness and genuine care for supporting women and mothers are evident, and we are so grateful for all that she is doing to make a difference. Listen to the episode to hear her thoughts and story!
Allyson Mentioned
- Allyson mentioned that she used a doula during her last birth.
- She also said that she used Hypnobabies for her VBAC.
Allyson Felix’s Resources
Thank you for listening to this episode! Be sure to follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat. Let us know what you think and if there are any other topics you’d like us to cover. Cheers to supporting babies and mothers!
We hope you found this episode helpful. If you did and enjoyed it, please subscribe to our podcast, Chick Chat, and leave us an honest review. Links below!