Allyson Felix, the most decorated woman in Olympic track and field history, plans to return to competition with the goal of reaching the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where she will be 42. Felix, who retired after the Tokyo Olympic cycle and last competed at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, is aiming for what would be his sixth Olympic appearance, a project he has coined internally as “Project Six.” Sports in Los Angeles, his home city, are central to that ambition.
A record-setting career already unmatched
Felix’s career statistics put him in a class of his own. She has won 11 Olympic medals, seven gold, three silver and one bronze, the most by any woman in Olympic athletics. At the World Championships, she has collected 20 medals, taking her combined tally to 31 at major global events. His Olympic journey began in 2004, when he won a silver medal in the 200 metres. His first gold was in the 4×400 m relay at the 2008 Beijing Games, where he also won another silver in the 200 m. Over the next decade, she became a central figure in the United States relay dominance, winning her individual 200 m gold medal at the London 2012 Games as well as six of her seven Olympic gold medals in the team events. At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, he won a relay gold and bronze medal in the 400 meters before walking away from the sport.
Why is Los Angeles holding him back?
Felix has clarified that the venue of the 2028 Games is the deciding factor behind his decision.“This is a once-in-a-lifetime homecoming.“And it’s the only thing powerful enough to hold me back,” he said in an interview with Times Magazine. She said, “I know that even at the age of 40, I am not at my peak. I have no illusions about that.” “I’m very clear about what it is and what I want to see. And so I hope it will be seen that way.” The prospect of competing in front of a home crowd remains central to his thinking. “When I was competing, you heard this roar for the host nation’s athletes at the Olympics. I would love to experience that.” His goal is to be part of the opening ceremony on July 14, 2028, even if qualification remains uncertain.
Return based on family and time
Allyson Felix, who serves on the athletes’ commission for the LA28 Olympic Organizing Committee, returns with a different structure from her previous career. Now the mother of two children, daughter Camryn, 7, and son Trey, 2, she has said she will not return to a full global competition schedule. Instead, she plans to begin a full training program with longtime coach Bobby Kersey in October, with the hope of returning to certified competition in 2027 to meet the qualifying requirements for the U.S. Olympic Trials. She gave birth to her second child in 2024 and has spent the last few years away from elite competition, a period that has shaped how she approaches a potential comeback. Reflecting on walking away from the game, he said: “It was definitely mixed emotions. There were moments when I said, ‘Oh, this is great. It’s so exciting to be in the stands and on the other side.’ And then there were moments where I was like, ‘You know, I miss this feeling.'”
return without confusion
Felix has repeatedly stressed that the effort is not driven by outside expectations or financial incentives. “I guess track and field wouldn’t be the place to do it for money,” he said, laughing. “I feel very satisfied.” Instead, motivation is tied to the idea of making an effort regardless of the outcome. “I’d probably be angry at myself if I didn’t try it. “No matter what happens, I’ll still be there with my kids, hanging out and cheering everyone on.”
Allyson Felix stuns fans at 40 by returning from retirement to chase Los Angeles 2028 Olympic dreams (Image via Getty)
He has also accepted the reality of his comeback at this stage of his life and career. “You know, at this age, I should probably stay home and take care of my kids, all that stuff. And simply, why not? “Let’s turn it on its head.” “I absolutely love that person who hangs around for a long time and you’re like, ‘What are they doing?’ I know, at 40 I’m not in my prime. I have no illusions about this. I’m very clear about what it is and what I want to see. And so I hope it’s seen that way.”
what lies ahead
Given the depth of competition in American track and field and the demands of the qualifying process, Felix’s plan does not guarantee a return to the Olympic stage. For now, the focus is on slowly building back up, with training expected to begin by the end of 2026, followed by a return to racing in 2027 and, if things progress well, a push toward the 2028 Olympic trials.If successful, it would mark a gap of 24 years between his first Olympic medal in 2004 and a potential appearance in Los Angeles.Whether she makes the team or not, Felix described the tryout simply as an opportunity she doesn’t want to ignore.