40-year-old Allyson Felix to come out of retirement, attempt to qualify for 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles

After sitting on the sidelines for four years and witnessing her first Summer Olympics as a fan since 2000, Allyson Felix is back.

The seven-time Olympic gold medalist has announced her return to track and field in hopes of qualifying for her sixth Olympics at 42 years old. As part of her plan, Felix will return to coach Bobby Kersee to begin training in October.

Don't expect to see Felix at track-and-field events often, as she still has a strong focus on her two children, ages 7 and 2. But come 2027, Felix plans to be back in certified competition.

Here's everything to know about Allyson Felix's return to track and field.

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Allyson Felix comeback

After the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Felix made the decision to retire from track and field. After not competing in Paris, though, Felix is hungry to find her way back to another Olympics. 

In an interview with TIME Magazine, Felix said "So many of us have been told not to do the big, bold thing. You know, at this age, I should probably be staying home and taking care of my kids, doing all that. And just, why not? Let's flip it on its head. Let's go after the thing. Let's be vulnerable." 

Felix is gearing up for a comeback, hoping to qualify for Los Angeles in 2028. She is officially out of retirement, and with that, one of the greatest runners the sport has ever seen is back to compete with runners less than half her age.

Felix calls her goal "Project Six," as she aims to return to the Olympics for the sixth time. 

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What events does Allyson Felix run?

Felix has earned Olympic medals in four separate races, the individual 200m and 400m and the 4 x 100m and 4 x 400m relays. 

Felix is the most decorated American woman in track and field, winning 11 Olympic medals, 7 gold, and 20 World Championships medals, 14 of which were gold.

She also competed in a 4 x 400m mixed relay, winning gold at the World Championships in Doha in 2019, and bronze at the same event in Eugene in 2022.

What does Allyson Felix need to do to qualify for the Olympics?

To begin, Felix will have to return to certified competition in 2027 and finish high enough at the U.S. Olympic Trials to qualify for a spot on the team.

To secure a place at the Olympic Trials, historically, Felix would need to place in the top three at the U.S. Outdoor Championships, although there are other ways to qualify as well.

Allyson Felix Olympic history

Here is a list of each of Felix's Olympic medals.

How old is Allyson Felix?

Allyson Felix is currently 40 years old. At the time of the 2028 Olympics, she'll be 42 years old. She originally retired at the end of the 2022 track and field season.