Allyson Felix wants to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Games

The most decorated female athlete of all time, American Allyson Felix, has said she plans to come out of retirement to try to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The famed sprinter and seven-time Olympic champion was born in Los Angeles, and if she qualifies, it would be her sixth Olympic Games. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime homecoming, and it's the only thing strong enough to bring me back," Felix told Time magazine. Felix, who will turn 41 in November, will retire after the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, with a total of 11 Olympic medals.

"A lot of us are told not to do big, bold things. You know, at this age, I should probably stay home, take care of the kids, do those kinds of things. And just, why not? Let's turn it around, let's try. Let's be vulnerable," said Felix. The most decorated American athlete of all time won Olympic gold in the 200 meters in London, as well as gold medals in the 4 x 400 meters relay at every Games from Beijing 2008 to Tokyo 2021. She also won titles in the 4 x 100 meters relay in London and Rio de Janeiro in 2016. She won silver medals in the 200 meters in Sydney 2004 and Beijing, as well as silver and bronze in the 400 meters in Rio and Tokyo.

"I know, at 40 I'm not at my peak. I have no illusions about that. I'm very clear about what it is and what I want to see. And I hope it's seen that way," she said. She has won a record 20 medals at world championships, the most in history in both women's and men's competition, 14 of which are gold.

Her spot at the Los Angeles Games is not guaranteed, as she will have to go through the entire USA Track and Field qualification system.

"When I was competing, I heard cheering for a local athlete at the Olympics. I would love to experience that. I would probably be mad at myself if I didn't try. No matter what happens, I will be there with my kids, hanging out and cheering for everyone," Felix said.