Allyson Felix is planning a return to competition, with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as her target.
The Olympic Games would be her sixth, should she qualify. Felix would be 42 years old at the time.
Driven by a Desire to Explore New Limits
Felix told TIME that many are told not to do the “big, bold thing”. She added that at her age, she should probably be staying home, but is choosing to flip that on its head. She shared on Instagram, “What if there’s still more in us?”
Her comeback isn’t about unfinished business. Her legacy includes 11 Olympic medals (seven gold) and 20 World Championship medals. Felix described her return as an exploration of what is still possible, especially for women later in their athletic careers.
A Homecoming in Los Angeles
A key factor in Felix’s decision is the opportunity to compete in an Olympic Games on home soil.
She referred to the pursuit as a “love story” with Los Angeles, the city where she grew up. Los Angeles 2028 is a “once-in-a-lifetime homecoming”.
Prioritising Balance and New Methods
Felix is not planning a full return to the global circuit. Instead, she will prioritise balance, allowing her to stay close to her family while building toward Olympic trials. A structured training program is expected to begin later this year, with a potential return to competition in 2027.
She is interested in exploring new recovery and performance methods. Previously, she feared running afoul of strict anti-doping protocols and was afraid to even take vitamins. She is now prepared to be more experimental with supplements that fall within the rules.
Felix said she is not trying to relive who she was, but that this is something different.
Redefining Longevity in Sport
Whether she qualifies for LA 2028 or not, the attempt signals a shift in how longevity in sport is viewed. Athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lebron James are thriving into their 40s, making the path to elite performance aged 40+ less unknown. Felix aims to test the limits, on her own terms.