The University of Southern California unveiled “Allyson Felix Field” to honor the athletic great in a statement Wednesday.
Felix was already running professionally when she enrolled at USC in 2003. She became the most decorated American track and field athlete in Olympic history, winning 11 medals throughout her spectacular career. She received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from USC in May 2022 and concluded her 20-year international career with bronze and gold medals on the U.S. relay teams at the World Championships in Athletics in Oregon two months later.
The site, formerly named “Cromwell Field”, sits at the center of Katherine B. Loker Track Stadium, which serves as the hub for the university’s athletic activities. Primarily used by men’s and women’s track and field teams, it is also open to groups such as ROTC, marching band, and recreational sports.
“I hope students playing on the Allyson Felix field – or just passing by – will see her name prominently and be curious to learn more about her talent, her courage and her generosity,” said the president of the school. ‘USC, Carol Folt, in the release.
Felix, who gave the USC 2022 commencement address, said in her speech that she had “raised a Trojan horse” even though she never competed for college.
“It’s a huge honor to be a part of campus history, and it’s such a special place for me,” she said in the statement.
“I’m proud of the things I stood for”
For much of his career, Felix made statements exclusively on the track. In 2018, that changed. She gave birth to her daughter, Cammy, by emergency cesarean section at 32 weeks due to a severe case of preeclampsia.
During contract negotiations, Felix’s longtime sponsor Nike offered him 70% of his previous contract, a deal that would depend on his performance after giving birth.
After the company told Felix to “know your place”, she decided not to go about business as usual and spoke out about the mistreatment of mothers in athletics. She teamed up with sportswear company Athleta to advocate for women’s rights and eventually launched her own brand, Saysh. And she continued to win medals.
She noted that by honoring her as an athlete, USC is also respecting her identity as an activist and entrepreneur.
“It really shows the values of USC. I’m proud of the things I stood for and it makes me proud to be an alumnus because of the direction the school is taking,” Felix said in the statement. .
Allyson Felix Field will have an official groundbreaking ceremony in the spring.
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