40-year-old Allyson Felix announced a stunning comeback Monday, telling TIME Magazine she plans to compete at the 2028 LA Olympics at age 42 — four years after retiring from track and field.
The most decorated women's sports athlete in Olympic track and field history said she wants to prove women over 40 can still chase bold dreams. Felix drew inspiration from athletes like Tom Brady, LeBron James, and Lindsey Vonn, as all excelled past 40.
"So many of us have been told not to do the big, bold thing," Felix said. "You know, at this age, I should probably be staying home and taking care of my kids, doing all that. And just, why not? Let's flip it on its head."
Allyson Felix will begin training with legendary coach Bobby Kersee in October, targeting a competitive return in 2027 via certified events.
No US sprinter has ever reached an Olympics in their 40s.
Felix won 11 Olympic medals across five Summer Games — seven gold, three silver, and one bronze. She burst onto the scene at age 18 in Athens, winning silver in the 200 meters. She later dominated the field in Beijing, London, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo before hanging it up in 2022.
Her best performance came in London 2012, where Felix swept gold in the 200 meters, 4x100-meter relay, and 4x400-meter relay.
Since retiring, Allyson Felix joined the IOC's Athletes' Commission and the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee's Board of Directors. She subsequently earned induction into the US Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame in 2025.
Felix also became an outspoken advocate for mothers in sports, fighting for better treatment for pregnant athletes and working mothers.
Even if she doesn't make the 2028 team, Felix said she'll attend the Games with her children, cheering on Team USA from the stands.
