Allyson Felix is the Olympic sprinter they call the fastest girl in the world, but there’s something a little different powering this speedster. iBelieve found out about the faith that keeps her going
Everybody can run, but there’s a certain prestige that comes with being labelled ‘the fastest’ that makes everyone pay attention. That’s certainly true for Allyson Felix, who was labelled the fastest girl in the world on her way to becoming an Olympic sprinter.
Unlike many, whose quest for sporting glory consumes their lives, however, Allyson’s ultimate goal goes way beyond gold. In fact, Allyson’s main motivation is the faith she first encountered as a child.
“My faith is definitely the most important aspect of my life,” she explains. “My dad is a seminary professor and I grew up in a very strong Christian home. My family was very involved in our church and they made sure I had a strong upbringing that was centred on God.
“I am so blessed to have my family and the upbringing that I did. It means so much to me to have two very godly parents who both have so much wisdom. They are amazing role models that I have had the privilege to watch as I grew up.”
Growing up in such a positive environment, it wasn’t long before Allyson found herself committing her life to Christ.
“I came to know Jesus Christ as my personal saviour at a very young age,” she remembers. “Ever since then, I have continually been striving to grow in my relationship with God. My knowledge about God grew as I did and my walk with God eventually became much stronger as I got older.
“I was nowhere close to the perfect child. I had my share of difficult times along with some disappointing choices that I made, but thankfully God never stops loving me.”
As part of a profession where success and failure are painfully public and often divided by the finest of margins, Allyson’s approach to competition is tempered by a complete belief in God’s ability to figure things out.
“I definitely feel God has a bigger plan, and we always make plans and always think we know best, but sometimes that’s not the case,” she says.
“I try not to focus on the pressure surrounding me. I love Philippians 4:6-7 that says, ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’
“That verse always encourages my heart when I am dealing with any kind of pressure, and throughout the struggles of life my faith calms my heart. I try to stay in the Bible and I pray a lot, just talking to God. He provides my strength and wisdom.”
For Allyson, the Bible truly is a sourcebook for both inspiration and practical advice. Not only does the Word of God keep her calm in the midst of the emotional maelstrom that comes with the sporting territory, but it keeps her rooted in his love.
“I have a lot of different verses that inspire my life,” she explains.
“Philippians 1:21 is very special to me because it helps to keep my life centred. In every situation in my life I want to be able to say, ‘For me to live is Christ… and nothing else, and to die is gain.’ It really keeps life in perspective for me and encourages me to make sure my priorities are straight.
“My faith inspires me so much. I feel that my running is completely a gift from God and it is my responsibility to use it to glorify him. My faith also helps me not be consumed with winning, but to see the big picture and what life is really all about.”
Allyson (right) with her 4×100 teammates Tianna Madison, Carmelita Jeter and Bianca Knight after winning the London 2012 Olympics race while smashing a 25-year-old world record at the same time
Indeed, faith isn’t just a factor in Allyson’s life, it’s the very reason that she runs at all.
“In the season of my life that I am in now, I feel so blessed that God has given me the talent of running. My running is an amazing gift from God and I want to use it to the best of my ability to glorify him. You have to have this passion and you have to have a reason for doing what you’re doing. And there really has to be a purpose there, I think that’s what drives success. I know my talent is from God. And that’s my purpose: to run to glorify him. I’m thankful that I have been given this platform so that I can share my faith with the world!”
In spite of her ambitious aim to take the gospel to the world – as quickly as possible – Allyson is realistic about her personal relationship with God.
“I’m currently a work in progress and like anyone else I face struggles every day. My goal is to be more Christ-like each and every day and that is not an easy task.
“I know that I’m trying to be something different from other Olympic runners and after I run I hope that people can distinguish Christ-like character in the way I present myself.
“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.
“We can depend on him. So I have learned that I never know best and that I should always trust in God.”