Allyson Felix, one of the most decorated athletes in Olympic history, has shared what she considers her biggest career regret: never competing in a home Olympic Games. As the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics draw closer, the American sprint legend is encouraging the next generation of athletes to fully embrace the rare and thrilling experience of performing on home soil.
Felix, a Los Angeles native, earned an incredible 11 Olympic medals including seven golds across five Olympic Games from 2004 to 2020. Despite the accolades, records, and countless victories, the absence of a hometown Olympics in her competitive years still stands out as a missed moment.
“What I would have loved most is to have a home Games,” she said, reflecting on her illustrious career. While she raced in cities like Athens, Beijing, London, Rio, and Tokyo, none offered the unique emotional energy of competing in front of a home crowd. As someone who has now taken on a leadership role on the LA28 Olympic board, Felix is channeling that longing into action helping ensure that today’s and tomorrow’s athletes make the most of the moment.
She emphasized that hosting the Olympics in Los Angeles is monumental not just for the athletes, but for the entire nation. “We’ve worked really hard to bring the Games back to L.A., and more than anything, I’m excited the athletes have this opportunity to be on full display in America. That’s huge.” Felix believes the global spotlight will shine brightly on the United States, and athletes should seize that once-in-a-lifetime chance to be celebrated in their homeland.
The importance of the LA28 Games extends beyond athletics for Felix. It is also a moment of civic pride for Los Angeles and an invitation to the world to witness the city’s diverse and dynamic spirit. “I’m excited for Angelinos and the rest of the world too. We get to welcome them in and they get to see the Games up close.”
While reflecting on the upcoming Games, Felix acknowledged other American stars who could become central figures in LA28, notably Simone Biles. The gymnastics icon, who already has seven Olympic medals, has not confirmed whether she’ll compete in 2028. But Felix understands the emotional gravity such a decision carries. “If you can stick around to be involved in some capacity, you can’t pass that up.”
Biles has already experienced the emotional lift of a home crowd while competing in France during the 2024 Paris Olympics. That same electric atmosphere could await her in 2028 if she chooses to continue.
Away from the track, Felix continues to make an impact. She has emerged as a strong advocate for maternal health and female empowerment in sports, especially after becoming a mother of two. She maintains close ties with her community, often giving back through mentorship and youth engagement.
In a recent heartwarming moment, she made a surprise visit to the Los Angeles Jets youth track and field club. As part of a campaign promoting healthy snacks for children, she joined the young athletes for a friendly relay. Still competitive at heart, she joked about being challenged by the kids. “We did a little relay and they wanted to race me for real,” she said, laughing. “I love to see that because yeah, you should!”
Looking ahead, Felix sees hope and inspiration in the young faces training on the very soil that will host the Olympics in just three years. “The Jets are such a powerhouse and a staple in the community, and looking at these kids it’s interesting because beyond ‘28, they are going to be the ones who are out there.”
Even though she missed her own chance at a home Games, Allyson Felix’s legacy lives on not just in medals, but in the dreams she inspires. Are you looking for similar stories ahead of the LA28 Olympics?
