USC Athletics | January 18, 2023
“When Allyson and I spoke about naming the field after her, she responded with the grace and humility she has shown throughout her life,” Folt said. “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.”
Felix — an Olympic sprinter, successful innovator, and proud mother — said the naming pays tribute to her ties to both the university and her hometown. As a little girl, she used to take walks on the campus with her grandmother and older brother. He went on to graduate from USC, and she followed in his footsteps.
“For me to be born and raised in Los Angeles and have such a history at USC, I am just completely humbled,” she commented. “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 field sits at the center of Katherine B. Loker Track Stadium, which serves as a hub for the men’s and women’s track teams and also groups such as ROTC, the Trojan Marching Band and other recreational sports.
“Allyson is the most decorated Track and Field Olympian in U.S. history and an inspiration to generations of Trojans,” Folt added. “My hope is that students playing on the Allyson Felix Field — or just walking by — will see her name prominently displayed and be curious to learn more about her talent, grit and generosity.”
Felix was already a professional runner when she began attending USC. 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. With her 11th medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo — gold in a stunning 4×400 meter win — Felix broke her tie with Carl Lewis as the most decorated American track and field athlete in Olympic history,…
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