When Allyson Felix became pregnant, Nike wanted to reduce her endorsement contract by up to 70% due to her pregnancy, and told her to “know your place and just run.”
During this time, Felix had to undergo an emergency c-section at seven months pregnant due to a life-threatening condition, with her baby spending over a month in the NICU. Two years later she qualified for her fifth Olympics, with her daughter cheering her on.
Felix parted ways with Nike and launched her own shoe brand, Saysh One. She competed in the Tokyo Olympics wearing her shoes, under the slogan “I Know My Place.”
With 11 Olympic medals, Felix surpassed Carl Lewis that summer to become the most decorated American track and field athlete in history. Reflecting on her journey, she said: “I used my voice and built this company for you. So that you never have to train at 4:30 a.m. while you’re 5 months pregnant to hide your pregnancy from your sponsor.”
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