When Allyson Felix became pregnant, Nike threatened to cut her sponsorship contract by almost 70% because of her pregnancy.
They told her:
“You should know your place… and just run.”
Amid all this, at seven months pregnant, Allyson had to undergo an emergency C-section due to a serious complication.
Her baby girl spent over a month in the neonatal intensive care unit.
But two years later, Allyson qualified for her fifth Olympic Games — with her daughter in the stands cheering her on.
Allyson left Nike.
And she founded her own shoe brand: Saysh One.
At the Tokyo Olympics, she ran wearing her own sneakers, carrying the motto:
“I know exactly where my place is.”
With 11 medals, she surpassed Carl Lewis and became the most decorated American track and field athlete in history.
And to all women, she gave this message:
“I raised my voice and built this company for you — so that you’ll never have to train at 4:30 in the morning, five months pregnant, just to hide it from your sponsor.” ❤️
5 days agoEdited to
... Read moreAllyson Felix’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and empowerment in sports and business. Beyond just an athletic achievement, her journey highlights the broader issue of pregnancy discrimination faced by women athletes. Many professional women experience pressure to hide pregnancies or risk losing sponsorship and support, a challenge Allyson bravely confronted.
Her decision to leave Nike and create Saysh One was not only a business move but also a bold statement about inclusivity and respect for women’s experiences. Saysh One focuses on designing performance shoes that accommodate women's realities, including pregnancy and motherhood, addressing a gap in the athletic wear market.
The famous phrase from her journey, “I know exactly where my place is,” resonates deeply—it's about claiming one's space confidently, despite external pressures.
From a personal perspective, witnessing Allyson compete with her daughter cheering her on shows how athletes balance personal and professional lives, often overcoming immense hurdles behind the scenes. Her 11 Olympic medals surpass historic figures like Carl Lewis, underscoring her extraordinary talent and determination.
For women everywhere, Allyson’s message encourages speaking up and creating change rather than silently enduring unfair conditions. The image text “FELIX MY MOM IS FASTER THAN YOUR MOM” playfully captures the pride in balancing motherhood with world-class athletic performance.
This story is a reminder that athletic apparel companies and sponsors must support athletes holistically. Pregnancy and motherhood should never be barriers to professional success. Allyson Felix's journey pushes the sports industry towards more equal and supportive practices, inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams without compromise.
Bravo ….Nike you suck Allyson you are the boss and your daughter is adorable ❤️