Allyson Felix shares her thoughts on the Olympics and is proud to have been an inspiration for younger track athletes. (0:52).TOKYO -- Allyson Fenix stood on the Olympic podium Saturday night and closed her eyes.She stated that she wanted to do it all one more time.Felix was just seconds away from winning the 4x400m relay to make her the most decorated American track and field athlete with 11 medals.She tried to enjoy every second of the moment as she stood beside her teammates, Sydney McLaughlin and Dalilah Muhammad, with their gold medals around them, while a small but vocal crowd watched from Olympic Stadium.ResultsShe said, "To be surrounded in that moment by those women was really special."It was fitting to honour Felix's remarkable career, which spanned five Olympic Games, with a star-studded team of women who won individual medals. McLaughlin (22 years old) won gold in 400-meter hurdles. Mu (19 years old) won gold at the 800. These two young stars have been admired by Felix, 35, for their longstanding support of the American team. Muhammad, 31 years old, is just a few years older than Felix, but she was also clear about what Felix meant to her.Muhammad stated after the race, "She earned [the gold medal], but it's so deserving," "And so clearly [I've] been inspired by her throughout [my] entire career. It was an honor to be a part her team at her last Olympics. We'll look back on this and remember how special it was.The relay victory was a highlight for all three women. The relay race was run at an incredible pace, with Mu, the anchor, crossing the finish line almost four seconds ahead of Poland, which was second. This was the fifth fastest time in history.Patrick Smith/Getty ImagesAfter the race, the four women gathered together to say a prayer and then pose for photos with the American flags. It was Felix's ultimate victory lap.Felix, who was the only of the four to have competed in the 400m earlier in these Games, stated that he just felt at peace and wanted to soak it all. "Obviously, I had complete faith in the team. Because we aren't 400-meter runners, I believe that this is a truly special team. I don't consider myself a specialist in 400 meters. Each of us do something different. It was great to be together and to see the Olympic Games close.Camryn was born in 2018, after a difficult pregnancy and birth. Camryn spent her first few weeks in the NICU. Felix was unsure if she would make a return to the sport's highest stage.She was determined to show her daughter that anything was possible and make it back to the Olympics. She wanted to encourage women all over the world to pursue their dreams. She's been a vocal advocate for women athletes and moms along the way. She publicly criticized Nike, her former sponsor. They wanted to reduce her endorsement payments significantly when she became pregnant. Felix testified before Congress about the Black community's maternal health crisis and asked for help.Felix qualified for the Olympic team by finishing second in the 400m at Trials in June. Camryn watched from the stands. Although she knew it would be difficult, she was determined to race her way to the final 400 meters.She said that she didn't ever think about making a final when she was younger. It's an humbling experience but also very rewarding to watch the progress.Felix won the bronze by running her fastest time since 2015. Felix said that she had not been focused on winning a gold medal and instead was focusing on the last individual race at Olympics. She still called the medal "extra-special."Felix was back on stage a day later. She was surrounded by women who have been a part her amazing legacy. During the race, she was emotional and a bit tearful. She stated that she believed that everything led to her current moment.Felix stated, "I had to face challenges in the fight." "I'm exactly where I need to be. Sometimes, I think it's just necessary to persevere with the situation.
