Allyson Felix
The most important lesson that I have learned is to trust God in every circumstance. Lots of times we go through different trials and following God's plan seems like it doesn't make any sense at all. God is always in control and he will never leave us.Collection: God
I grew up in a Christian home with amazing parents.Collection: Amazing
Try to think of working out and healthy eating as a lifestyle. Rather than go on a diet or try a crazy exercise routine, try making them something you do every day.Collection: Diet
My speed is a gift from God, and I run for His glory. Whatever I do, it all comes from him.Collection: God
My mom is great and I make sure that we pray together before every race. She helps me put everything in perspective and remind me of the real reason I run.Collection: Mom
I spend around two and half hours on the track every day running and another 2 hours in the weight room lifting weights with my strength coach.Collection: Strength
I myself am frustrated in just where sports are at. It's a hard thing when you're out there working every day, and you know that someone else is cheating and they may not necessarily get caught.
I'm just competitive. It doesn't matter what it is. I want to win.
I never let track define me. That's something that's really important to me.
I'm really laid back but I still like to dress up sometimes.
I have learned that track doesn't define me. My faith defines me. I'm running because I have been blessed with a gift.
I am a big believer in visualization. I run through my races mentally so that I feel even more prepared.
Being a role model is a privilege.
I think that kids aren't even exploring the option of sports anymore, and they don't even know what they could do.
I love the relays. Track is such an individual sport, so it's fun to do something together.
I always want to give more than I gave yesterday.
The biggest way I stay motivated is to run with a group of friends. Sometimes it's hard to get going by yourself, but if you have a plan and a meeting time, you know this run will happen for sure. It's a way to have fun - while also getting in a workout. Plus it distracts from pain, helps you fight fatigue, and gives you that extra push.
Philippians 1:21 is very special to me because it helps to keep my life centered.
My faith inspires me so much. It is the very reason that I run. I feel that my running is completely a gift from God and it is my responsibility to use it to glorify him.
It was not until the end of my freshman year in high school that I thought I could really have a future in track and field. I definitely did not think I could make it to the Olympics back then, though; I was just focused on making it to the state finals!
I feel old.
You know, I love wearing heels. I wish I could wear them all the time, but, you know, my sport doesn't really permit it.
Right now I'd say my favorite fashion designer is Zac Posen.
I love a great pair of jeans and a nice blouse.
I've got to make sure I'm keeping weight on.
I was a disruptive child.
The 200 meters is my baby. To me, it's the perfect distance. It's still a true sprint, but it unravels more. You get to enjoy the race a little bit more than the 100.
I don't have a sprinter's body.
Most people don't think about plyometrics when they think about powerful strength. But I do lots of them to build mine.
I always look back to my first Olympic medal in 2004 in Athens. I was very new to the sport, and it was my first big win at the Olympics.
I majored in elementary education, and I have a passion for kids.
Before a race, I block out what's going on in the stadium. It's different for everyone. But for me, I've always been able to block it out. For a sprint race, it's important not to get distracted.
I spend around three hours on the track and two hours in the weight room, five or six days a week.
I am a sprinter, and I love to go fast. It's very difficult for me to be patient and follow a race strategy or conserve energy.
My dad's a pastor and a seminary professor; my mom, she has such great faith.
Everyone sees the glory moments, but they don't see what happens behind the scenes.Collection: Behind The Scenes
Every moment is not great and sometimes those are the moments in which you learn the most.Collection: Sometimes
I'm always nervous. If I wasn't nervous, it would be weird. I get the same feeling at all the big races. It's part of the routine, and I accept it. It means I'm there and I'm ready.Collection: Mean
I try to think about my goals. I think about my competitors-I know they're working hard, and if they are, I have to work hard too. I have to be one step ahead of them.Collection: Hard Work
Competing at the Olympics is the pinnacle of your career. Everything is amplified, and you feel so proud to represent your country. You're there with athletes from all over the world. Everyone is coming together, putting differences aside.Collection: Country
I can be a voice. I can use my platform to help the younger generation. I think it's really important for them to understand how to do things the right way, and not just in sports, in life in general.Collection: Sports
I definitely think I put more pressure on myself. I can be hard on myself and super-critical and very rarely satisfied or happy. I am my biggest critic.Collection: Thinking
I'm an athlete who's very determined and I understand sacrifice.Collection: Athlete
My faith is the reason I run - it calms my heart and makes everything feel like a lift. My speed is definitely a gift from Him, and I run for His glory. Whatever I do, He allows me to do it.Collection: Running
When I was younger, Jackie Joyner-Kersee was a mentor to me and gave me great advice. The best was to 'work 100 percent, but enjoy every moment along the way.' Sometimes you get so in the zone, you forget to enjoy your passions. I love running—but I also love the movies, relaxing on the beach, shopping and spending time with my friends. Enjoying my life helps me enjoy my running.Collection: Running
For me, my faith is the reason I run. I definitely feel I have this amazing gift that God has blessed me with, and it's all about using it to the best of my ability.Collection: Running
There are moments that aren't great. And I think it's amazing for people to be able to have some insight, to be able to see the support system and what really happens.Collection: Thinking
I feel like I'm always going to be me. It always goes back to being the person that I am. And I hope that will never change.Collection: Never Change
I think every genius person has a bit of insanity.Collection: Thinking
As a female athlete, you're always fighting to be on a level playing field with your male counterparts. But I believe the Olympics is great for young girls; they get to be exposed to so many different sports and to these really strong women. It's an opportunity to showcase what we do, which is something that men get the opportunity to do on a pretty regular basis.Collection: Girl