USC’s Track Stadium Named After Olympian Allyson Felix

02.02.23
USC’s Track Stadium Named After Olympian Allyson Felix (Michael Kappeler/picture alliance via Getty Images)

The University of Southern California has named its track and field stadium after Olympic medalist and alumna Allyson Felix.

Felix is not only the most decorated U.S. track and field athlete in Olympic history, but she is also an advocate and a mother. “Felix has been an advocate for women and the issues facing athletes of color in and outside of sports — including unequal conditions in contract negotiations — after personal circumstances opened her eyes to major injustices.”  Last year the Olympic sprinter announced that she was retiring from the sport, however, that did not stop her from earning accolades.

She is an alumna of USC’s Rossier School of Education and completed her degree while still competing, showing dedication not only to her craft but to her education as well. “While working on her undergraduate degree in education, she began her successful tenure at the World Championships. She would eventually earn the title for most decorated athlete at the championships with 20 medals, seven from individual events and 13 from team relays.”

Felix was appreciative of the honor and felt like it only ensured the university’s support of her as well as her values. The Los Angeles native is happy to not only have a field named after her in her hometown but also on her old campus. “For me to be born and raised in Los Angeles and have such a history at USC, I am just completely humbled,” she said. “It’s such a huge honor to be a part of history in the campus, and it’s such a special place for me.” The Los Angeles-based school showed love last year by selecting Felix to receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and she was  commencement speaker for the 2022 graduating class. 

 “The Allyson Felix Field will recognize her immense achievements as a sports legend and Trojan — while also showing our admiration for her role as an entrepreneur, advocate and champion for women,” stated the president of USC Carol L. Folt.

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