Here’s a wild fact: retired sprinting legend Allyson Felix won more Olympic medals (11) during her decorated racing career than Senegal, the United Arab Emirates, Panama and Iceland have earned in every Summer Games combined (10). But what might be even more mind-boggling is that Felix, who was recently named No. 63 on the list of ESPN’s 100 greatest athletes of the 21st century, might be busier now as a mom of two, a business owner and sportswomen’s rights advocate than she ever was in spikes.
All the moving around didn’t stop during the latest Olympics, either. Between promoting the first nursery for competing moms and rooting on U.S. track stars like Gabby Thomas and Sha’Carri Richardson, Felix was all over the place. She also made her way to the exclusive Seine-floating Visa Lounge for Chase Sapphire Reserve to talk to us about Paris, packing for children and great places to eat around her home in L.A.
What excited you the most about the Visa Lounge for Chase Sapphire Reserve?
I think it’s a really amazing experience. It’s a beautiful space. The Games are hectic and there’s a lot happening, so I feel like when you step in here, it’s refreshing. It’s a treat. It’s beautiful. I think there’s amazing food and these great meet-and-greets. You feel special when you’re in here.
Even without the Olympics, Paris is a place that’s near and dear to a lot of people’s hearts. What’s special about the place to you?
I feel like the energy here during the games has been incredible. Just seeing the venues full [has been great]. There’s just kind of a buzz in the air. I have spent quite a bit of time here [in Paris]. When I was competing, we would base here quite often. My head was down, focused, just not seeing much of the city. So, it’s been really nice to be walking around and taking in the sights and seeing a different side to Paris.
How does that feel being on the other side, cheering on Gabby and Sha’Carri?
It’s weird. It’s definitely a mix of emotions. I have my moments where I’m like, “Oh man.” You still wish you were out there. There’s the waves of that. But then there are the moments where it’s like, “Oh my gosh, I’m so glad I’m not out there.” It’s a relief and then a lot of fun, like you said, to cheer on teammates and see them have their moment. Just watching Gabby knowing how much work she’s put in and seeing it pay off and knowing exactly what that feels like. It’s just a lot of joy there. The whole range of emotions.
Give me a few tips you’ve learned along the way about traveling with children.
No. 1 tip: bring the grandparents. We love to travel with Magna-Tiles because you’re in a hotel room and there’s nothing to play with. They’re great.
I made my daughter this Lego book that I saw online somewhere for the flight. It’s a binder and you have the Lego base board in the book and a little baggie with her Legos. She’s into that. Have new toys for the plane, something they haven’t seen before so that they’re really engaged and interested. Oh, and snacks all the time. Make sure you’re fully stocked.
People struggle with staying on a workout routine while they’re traveling. What’s some advice for those folks?
I feel like you’re describing my situation right now. I would say to have some sort of online-based program that you can lock into. I’ve been using my Peloton app. If I don’t have access to my normal gym or any kind of tools, I have that. Whatever you could follow online [is good].
You don’t need a ton of time, just the consistency of being able to get something in. Then, when you get back home, you [return] fully to your schedule. But for traveling, if it’s 20 minutes doing a core circuit or whatever you can get in, it’s better than nothing.
I know you’re based in L.A., home of the 2028 Summer Games. What are a few things the city needs to do to ensure that it’s a great Olympics?
Oh, gosh. Being here in Paris and just seeing how they have executed so well, I think we’ll definitely have to be on our game. Being L.A., we have so much star power. Just having all of that, having the entertainment industry come out and support, will elevate the events. Exposing the world to the incredible food that we have [will be important]. Obviously, the venues are going to be on display, and that’s great. We’ll be able to showcase our amazing weather.
I think one of the challenges we have to conquer, and I know there are great plans for it, is the traffic situation. Just getting around the city. But I’ve heard amazing things. I can’t wait to see it all in action.
For the person who’s not familiar with L.A., what does an “Intro to Southern California Day” look like for Allyson Felix?
I would definitely take you to the beach because the weather is what we’re known for. It’s a very active place as well, so maybe a bike ride along there.
I love food, and I feel like we have some of the most incredible food. Two of my favorite restaurants are El Cholo for Mexican food and Harold & Belle’s for Creole — it’s Southern food.
We’d probably see some of the gems of the city. We have some incredible places to hike.
As somebody who’s seen the world through your track career, tell me a couple of places that you could visit over and over.
I’ve always loved competing in Rome. I think it’s just a beautiful place to be. I already talked about how much I love to eat. I’d go there just for the food.
Monaco has been a place that I have really loved coming to year after year and spending so much time there. I would go into Monaco, then take the drive to St. Tropez, and spend time in Cannes and Nice. That’s another favorite part of the world for me.
