"I’m all about championing representation"- Allyson Felix exudes excitement after stepping into a new role as an IOC member

Allyson Felix expressed excitement about her new role as an IOC member. At the Paris Olympics, the former sprinter won by a huge margin, amassing the maximum number of votes, 2880 out of 6576.

Allyson Felix, the 22-time gold medalist, introduced the first-ever nursery in the Olympic Village to help athlete mothers bond with their kids amid the events. Partnering with Pampers, she set the nursery at the heart of the Athletes' Village Plaza, near the living headquarters. The nursery encompassed soft play areas and cozy furniture to provide maximum homelike comfort.

She was also elected as a member of the Athletes' Commission at the International Olympic Committee. Allyson Felix stepped up to be the 'voice of athlete moms' since she echoed the challenges of mothers struggling to compete and care for their children simultaneously.

"I had the experience of coming back to competition with my daughter, and it was really challenging. You're so far from home, and it's really difficult to bring your family," Felix said. (via Olympics.com)

Allyson Felix has now embraced a new role as a member of the IOC to represent athletes for the next eight years. With majority votes (2,880 of the 6,576), the 38-year-old joined New Zealand's tennis player Marcus Danielle, Australian canoeist Jessica Fox, and German gymnast Kim Bui.

Felix took to her Instagram handle to express gratitude and excitement, writing:

"Excited to step into my new role as an IOC Member! I’m all about championing representation, driving change, and ensuring the athlete’s voice is heard. Huge thanks to my fellow athletes for your trust—can’t wait to serve and make a difference together!" her caption read.

Allyson Felix shared that motherhood doesn't mean an end to the athletic career

Beyond the Podium: How Athleta and Allyson Felix Reinvented the Brand/Athlete Partnership - 2023 SXSW Conference and Festivals - Source: Getty

When Felix delivered her first child, Camryn, she was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, which posed a threat to both the mother and the child. After the difficult time, she picked herself up to compete at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, winning the 4x400m relay gold and 400m bronze. Her journey stood as a testament to determination and inspired athletes globally.

Watching several mother athletes champion at the 2024 Games, Felix talked about a culture shift.

"This is a shift in culture. It's saying that motherhood isn't the end. If you choose to be a mother in the midst of your career, you can still go and have incredible performances," she said. (via Olympics.com)

In 2021, her initiative of a childcare fund to support mother athletes received global recognition. Recently, Bill Gates' former wife Melinda Gates offered a $20 million grant to Felix to support Black Mental health.