Allyson Felix Denounces Nike For Failing to Support Athletes During Pregnancy

Photo: GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Olympic sprinter Allyson Felix doesn’t want to be punished for becoming a mother. The six-time Olympic gold medalist came forward earlier this week with an op-ed inThe New York Timesabout her experience as a Nike athlete during her pregnancy. Felix was inspired to share her story after two of her former Nike teammates, Olympian runners Alysia Montaño and Kara Goucher, broke their silence on the brand’s maltreatment of their pregnant female athletes.

Allyson Felix Doesn't 'Feel the Itch' to Go Back to Running: 'I'm Where I'm Supposed to Be'

Allyson Felix.Photo: Courtesy of Athleta Allyson Felixis living her best life. The 37-year-old Felix, who is themost decorated sprinter in United States history,is focused on raising 4-year-old daughterCamryn, whom she welcomed in 2018 with her husband Kenneth Ferguson, and spending time working with the causes and brands that matter to her. In an interview with PEOPLE, the11x Olympic gold medal-winning runnersaid that while she misses the sport, she doesn’t “feel the itch” to return.

Allyson Felix Fueled Her Way to Her Fifth Olympics with Yogurt, Fish — and Cinnamon Rolls

Allyson Felix.Photo: Andy Lyons/Getty With one of the most thrilling finishes of the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials,Allyson Felixpunched her ticket to her fifth Olympics on Sunday night,coming from behind to finish second in the 400m. And to get to that starting line, the “super-competitive” sprinter sticks to a healthy diet of lean proteins, fruits and vegetables — with exception of wine and her freshly baked goods. Felix, 35, trains for about five hours a day, spending most of that on the track for drills, speed work and stretching.

Allyson Felix Heads to Tokyo for Fifth Olympics as She Says 'My Heart Aches Leaving' Daughter Cammy

Allyson Felix is off to Tokyo! “My heart aches leaving Cammy today to head to Tokyo. It will be the longest we’ve ever been apart,” Felix, 35, wrote on Instagram, Saturday. “But, the fight to get to this point has shown me my strength and I’m excited for all the reasons I’m running — for greater equity for each of us and for women. One day when I tell her this story I know she will be proud of her Mama.

Allyson Felix Hopes to Change Industry Norms with Her Sneaker Brand's New Maternity Returns Policy

Allyson Felixwants to make sure no woman has to choose between pregnancy and comfort. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 36-year-old, who is the most decorated American track and field athlete of all time, discusses the inspiration behind her lifestyle brand Saysh’s newMaternity Returns Policyand her hopes to “create a better world for women.” The mom of one, who recently announced herupcoming retirementat the end of the 2022 season, has long been an advocate for maternal and equal rights in sports, and she tells PEOPLE this initiative felt like a “natural” next step.