POPSUGAR UK

Allyson Felix Is Empowering Women and Girls With Her First-Ever Athleta Fitness Collection

18/08/2020 - 10:40 PM

Allyson Felix [1] is one of the greatest athletes of all time and one of the greatest sprinters of all time. She's broken numerous records, she's broken barriers in sport, and she's transforming the future of sport for the next generation of athletes.

Felix credits her daughter Camryn for helping her find her voice and speak out on issues that impact athletes, Black people and people of colour, and women and girls all over the world. Last year she shared her Nike pregnancy story [2] in the New York Times, calling for athletic apparel companies to implement maternity protections for athletes who choose to have babies during their careers, and her voice has only gotten louder since then.

As the world navigates two pandemics, COVID-19 and racial injustice in the US, Felix isn't afraid to speak out. She's speaking out for her life, the life of countless Black and brown people, for future generations, and to elicit change in the world her daughter will grow up in. She's also breaking barriers off the track, like being one of a handful of women to have her own athletic collection. "This is something I had always dreamed of when I came into the sport. . . . You always dream of having something of your own, and I wasn't sure if it was ever going to happen," Felix told POPSUGAR.

"I want them to feel confident. I want them to feel empowered. I want them to feel like they know their value and worth."

While Felix was looking for a new apparel sponsor, she said one thing that sold her on the partnership with Athleta was that the brand's values were aligned with her personal values and mission: to empower women and girls. Felix didn't want to just create another pair of leggings and new sports bra, she wanted the Athleta x Allyson Felix collection to make those who wear it feel great.

"I want them to feel confident. I want them to feel empowered. I want them to feel like they know their value and worth. And then I also want them to know that they're going to look great in it and feel good in it," she explained. She personally wear-tested each piece, making sure that they would sustain her intense workouts and be comfortable enough to run errands in. "There's no distraction. When you're in there and you're getting your workout in, nothing's going to be bugging you or bothering you," she assured.

The 18-piece collection was inspired by her style but was also designed for performance. "It will allow you body to move the way that it needs to move. And you're not sacrificing in any point," she said. No matter the element, these pieces will perform under any condition, just like the six-time Olympic gold medalist.

One of her favourite things about the collection is that, "It has all these great, layered pieces where you finish your workout, you throw on one of the cute jackets, tops, or t-shirts, and you can go on for the other half of your day until you get home." This was important for Felix because she wanted something that functioned well with her life and the lives of other women.

"Those same things that I want women to feel, I want young girls to feel as well."

What's unique about her namesake collection is that there are pieces for girls as well. "Those same things that I want women to feel, I want young girls to feel as well," Felix said. She explained that the pieces come with love notes and reminders to break records and barriers. "There's no limit to what you can do, and I think it all begins on sending that very important message to them at a young age," she said.

Felix loves all of the pieces, but the ones she's constantly reaching for are the Legend Luxe Crop Half-Zip Jacket [3] ($169), the Legend Luxe Track Pant [4] ($119), and the Legend Zip Front Bra [5] ($69). We have a feeling you're going to love these pieces, too, whether you're going for a run, training for a major competition, or going grocery shopping. Check out a few of our favourite pieces from the collection ahead.

Athleta x Allyson Felix Legend Shortie

The Legend Shortie [6] ($69) was created for long distance, short distance, and trail running, and features a high-rise waistband.

Athleta x Allyson Felix Legend Mesh 7/8 Tight

The Legend Mesh 7/8 Tight [7] ($109), is great for medium- to high-intensity workouts. The SuperSonic fabric will keep you cool, allowing you to put all your focus into your workout.

Athleta x Allyson Felix Legend Track Pant

Whether you're getting ready to warm up or just finishing a workout, you'll want the cosy Legend Track Pant [8] ($119) with you.

Athleta x Allyson Felix Legend Zip Front Bra

The Legend Zip Front Bra [9] ($69) is one of Felix's favourite pieces and was designed for medium- to high-intensity workouts.

Athleta x Allyson Felix Legend Luxe Crop Half-Zip Jacket

The Legend Luxe Crop Half-Zip Jacket [10] ($169) is another one of Felix's go-to pieces, and will look cute paired with leggings and shorts.


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