Allyson Felix to Come Out of Retirement at Age 40, Eyes 2028 LA Olympics

After retiring in 2022, American track and field star Allyson Felix is ready to lace up her running shoes once again.

Felix announced that she is ending her retirement at 40 years old and will attempt to qualify for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

"So many of us have been told not to do the big, bold thing," Felix said in an interview with TIME magazine, per Anna Lazarus Caplan of People. "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. Let's go after the thing. Let's be vulnerable."

One of the most decorated track and field stars of all time, Felix competed in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 400 meters while also playing a key role on Team USA women's relay teams. She owns 11 Olympic medals, seven of which were gold.

Born and raised in California, Felix said she's motivated to compete in front of her home fans.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime homecoming," Felix said in a proposal she pitched to her brother and business partner, Wes Felix, last June. "And it is the only thing powerful enough to pull me back."

Felix added that she was inspired by the accomplishments of other athletes who have competed into their 40s, such as Lindsey Vonn, LeBron James and Tom Brady. She attended the 2024 Olympics in Paris, but she said she felt "mixed emotions" while watching from the sidelines.

"There were moments where I was like, 'Oh, this is so great. It's so exciting to be in the stands and on the other side,'" she said. "And then there were moments where I was, 'You know, I miss this feeling.'"

While she knows she's a long shot to make her sixth Olympics, Felix added that she's ready for the challenge.

"I totally get the person who sticks around too long and you're like, 'What are they doing?'" she said. "I know, at 40, I am not at my peak. I have no illusions about that. I'm very clear in what it is and what I want to see. And so I hope it's seen that way."