The guys had to learn the hard way. Whether driven by pride or curiosity, many a guy at Los Angeles Baptist High School challenged the thin, shy girl to a race in the parking lot.
The results? Many a guy learned firsthand that Allyson Felix was fast . . . real fast . . . faster than they were.
“I won a lot,” Allyson says. “But I think there were a few guys who could beat me.”
Before you laugh at those losing bros, consider that as a high school senior Allyson broke the world junior record in the 200 meters (unofficially, because there was no drug testing at the Mexico City event by which to ratify a record). A year later, 18-year-old Allyson won the silver medal in the 200 at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece.
This month, as long as she stays healthy, Allyson will return to the Olympic stage as a favorite in Beijing. She’s the reigning world champion in the 200. In fact, she posted a personal best 21.81 seconds to destroy the field at the 2007 World Track and Field Championships. It was the fastest time by an American woman in eight years. Her spot as the world’s dominant female sprinter has been established, yet there are more important matters for Allyson.
“[Running] is definitely a gift from God, and I feel like this is what He’s called me to do,” Allyson says. “If I can have success and be on this stage, then I’m definitely going to use my gift to glorify Him. Whatever I can do to bring someone to Him, whether it’s through my actions or if I’m able to say something to affect someone, I realize that’s what He’s given me this gift for.”
Mettle and Medal
Allyson didn’t realize her speed until she made the state meet as a high school freshman. As a kid, she’d played basketball and simply tried to keep up with her older brother, Wes, a Beijing hopeful until health problems derailed his plans.
She advises teens learning to use their gifts, “Spend as much time with God as you can and try to understand what He does have for you. Work hard and see where it goes because that might be God’s plan for you even though you might not see it right now.”
Allyson will bring a veteran’s focus to Beijing. “In my first Olympics the big thing I was learning was, Even though you’re young, don’t let that get in the way of what God has for you. You can still be an example,” Allyson says. “For Beijing I’m not that much older, but I’m looking forward to taking more of a stand and a leadership role on the team. Being more vocal and offering [more spiritual leadership].”
Between the 200 and two relays, Allyson could leave China wearing three medals. And at 22, she knows she has time for plenty more accomplishments on the track and beyond. 
