USC honors U.S. Olympian Allyson Felix by renaming track facility in her namesake
U.S. Olympian Allyson Felix will forever be immortalized at the University of Southern California. The USC alumni received a prestigious honor as the university dedicated their track and field facility in her namesake.
"It really showed me that the university values character and integrity, and that's just rare and very special," Felix said in her ceremonial speech. "So I'm so, so humbled by this honor."
The track facility was officially named Allyson Felix Field. It will serve as the athletic hub for both the men’s and women’s track programs.
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Felix, who is an 11-time Olympic medalist, noted that the facility will provide a foundation for the next generation of track athletes.
"I hope that students, athletes come to this field and they come at the beginning of their journey and they experience something like I did — getting a foundation, being prepared to face the world," Felix said at the ceremony. "We don’t know what those challenges are going to be, but we know that they’re inevitable. And I think this is such a special place to get you ready to take on those fights.
"And so that is my hope for all who will come onto this field. I know there will be greatness and excellence daily here, and I just feel so proud to just be a tiny, tiny part of that. … I am truly, truly humbled."
Felix competed in five Olympics and shined in three different track disciplines. She competed in the 100-meter, 200-meter and 400-meter races in her illustrious career.
Felix also has 20 medals at the World Championships, including 14 golds, three silvers and three bronze.
"Allison personifies heart and soul, and most of all as you've been hearing character," said USC President Carol Folt said.