The Olympic Spirit — and How You Can Tap Into It | Allyson Felix | TED

Summary

In this inspiring interview, Olympic icon Allison Felix discusses her transition from professional athlete to advocate, focusing on gender equality, maternal rights, and the well-being of athletes. She shares her experiences as a new mother, her public stand against Nike's maternity policies, and her current work to establish a nursery at the Olympic Village. Felix also reflects on the impact of her success on advancing change and the importance of representation in sports, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of pursuing dreams both on and off the field.

Takeaways

• 🏅 Allison Felix, an Olympic icon, discusses her transition from competing athlete to advocate for gender equality and maternal rights.
• 👶 Felix's personal journey with maternity and her public stance against Nike in 2019 for their lack of maternity protection has shaped her advocacy work.
• 🌟 She now runs her own footwear company and is a staunch supporter of gender equality, using her influence to impact the world of sports beyond her athletic achievements.
• 🎙️ In the interview, Felix shares her experiences as a spectator at the Olympic Games in Paris, highlighting the memorable moments and the energy of the city.
• 🤸‍♀️ Felix expresses her enjoyment of the gymnastics events, the resilience of the athletes, and the joy of witnessing their powerful performances.
• 👪 She talks about the importance of supporting working parent athletes and the establishment of the first nursery in the Olympic Village, a significant step towards inclusivity.
• 💪 Felix emphasizes the significance of athletes using their voices to bring attention to important issues, breaking away from the traditional expectation of staying within their 'lane'.
• 🗣️ The interview touches on the importance of highlighting athletes' work beyond their sports, as they are often advocates for change in various social areas.
• 🤱 Felix discusses the black maternal mortality crisis, her own experiences, and the need for systemic change, policy reform, and the elimination of implicit bias in healthcare.
• 💰 She shares the impact of receiving a $20 million grant from Melinda French Gates to advance women's health, particularly focusing on black maternal health.
• 🔄 Felix's transition from professional athlete to entrepreneur and advocate has been challenging but rewarding, as she continues to strive for positive change in various areas.

Q & A

What is Allison Felix's perspective on her new role as a spectator at the Olympic Games in Paris?

Allison Felix finds the experience different and a bit odd, as she feels like she should be preparing for a race. However, she appreciates being on the other side and having her family with her, which allows her to take in the experience and enjoy the games.

How has Allison Felix's life changed after the birth of her second child?

Allison Felix's life has been amazing but an adjustment for her family. She had a beautiful birth experience without complications and feels blessed to now be a family of four.

What sports has Allison Felix been enjoying watching at the Paris Olympics?

Allison Felix has particularly enjoyed watching gymnastics, swimming, and beach volleyball. She was impressed by the women's gymnastics team's confidence and joy, especially considering the adversity they've faced.

How does Allison Felix view the importance of highlighting athletes' work beyond their sports?

Allison Felix believes it's crucial to highlight athletes as a whole, not just for their sports contributions. She sees a shift in the perception of athletes, where their voices are loud, they have impact, and they are passionate about work beyond their sports.

What impact has Allison Felix made regarding maternity rights and gender equality in sports?

Allison Felix has been a significant voice for gender equality and maternal rights. She publicly took on Nike in 2019 for their lack of maternity protection and now runs her own footwear company, championing these causes.

How has the establishment of the first nursery in the Olympic Village influenced attitudes towards parent-athletes?

The nursery in the Olympic Village has sent a message to women that they are capable of being at the top of their game even after having children. It signifies a cultural shift and a move in the right direction for supporting working moms in sports.

What does Allison Felix think about the current momentum for women's sports?

Allison Felix feels that the attention to women's sports has been a long time coming and is glad that the world is taking notice. She believes that if the current path continues, the momentum will be sustained and not just be a trend.

How does Allison Felix perceive the issue of black maternal mortality, and what actions does she advocate for?

Allison Felix is deeply concerned about the black maternal mortality crisis. She advocates for addressing implicit bias in medical professions, policy change, raising awareness, and taking action to preventable complications that affect women of color.

What plans does Allison Felix have for the $20 million grant she received from Melinda French Gates for advancing women's health?

Allison Felix plans to focus on black maternal health and deploy the funds to organizations that may not otherwise receive the necessary funding. She aims to support those doing urgent work in the space and hopes to make a significant impact on the most at-risk individuals.

What is Allison Felix's view on the role of the International Olympic Committee's Athletes Commission, and what changes would she like to see?

Allison Felix sees the Athletes Commission as a platform to represent the voice of athletes. She would like to grow the family space initiative, address doping issues, ensure fair play, and support athletes dealing with geopolitical issues. She aims to listen to concerns and create change for athletes at the highest level.

How does Allison Felix approach the transition from being a professional athlete to her current roles as an entrepreneur and advocate?

Allison Felix describes the transition as challenging and unexpected, despite having a clear vision for her next steps. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, taking things one step at a time, and breaking down big goals into manageable pieces.