It was all kind of a whirlwind at the beginning. I didn't really realize that I had a special gift from God. It was probably towards the end of high school in my senior year when things really started to come together and I realized that I had more potential and that I could do this as a career and that the Olympics were a possibility.

Allyson Felix

Categorized in : School Careers Senior

Everyone sees the glory moments, but they don't see what happens behind the scenes.

Allyson Felix

behind-the-scenes glory moments

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.

Allyson Felix

race feelings mean

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.

Allyson Felix

trust lessons important

Every moment is not great and sometimes those are the moments in which you learn the most.

Allyson Felix

moments 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.

Allyson Felix

track blessed running

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.

Allyson Felix

hard-work goal thinking

I always want to give more than I gave yesterday.

Allyson Felix

yesterday want giving

My speed is a gift from God, and I run for His glory. Whatever I do, it all comes from him.

Allyson Felix

speed glory running

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.

Allyson Felix

workout running fun

I'm an athlete who's very determined and I understand sacrifice.

Allyson Felix

sacrifice determined athlete

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.

Allyson Felix

blessed reason running

Philippians 1:21 is very special to me because it helps to keep my life centered.

Allyson Felix

special-to-me special helping

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.

Allyson Felix

calm heart running

I'm just competitive. It doesn't matter what it is. I want to win.

Allyson Felix

matter winning want

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.

Allyson Felix

voice sports thinking

I am a big believer in visualization. I run through my races mentally so that I feel even more prepared.

Allyson Felix

race athlete running

Being a role model is a privilege.

Allyson Felix

privilege role-models roles

I think every genius person has a bit of insanity.

Allyson Felix

genius insanity thinking

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.

Allyson Felix

block important race

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.

Allyson Felix

responsibility running inspire