9-Time Gold Medalist Allyson Felix Almost Died During Childbirth but Hopes to Advocate For Fellow Black Mothers

Allyson Felix, the most decorated track and field Olympian in history, nearly died during her traumatic childbirth. But, she’s harnessing her strength in order to be an advocate for mothers in similar positions.

In 2018, the nine-time Olympic gold medalist gave birth to her daughter, Camryn. Although she was active throughout her pregnancy and even competed at track meets up until she was four months pregnant, doctors eventually diagnosed her with preeclampsia and she underwent an emergency C-section at 32 weeks.

She and her baby thankfully made it through the surgery safely and after Camryn spent weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit, she could be brought home. However, the situation left Felix wondering how other mothers who don’t have access to world-class medicine grapple with the trauma.

“I’m an athlete. I take great care of my body and was in great health. I had a birthing plan. I was at one of the best hospitals in the country,” Felix told TODAY in an interview. “But my eyes were completely opened to the fact that no one is immune from this reality and that Black women face significantly higher risks.”

During her research, the mother discovered preeclampsia, the pregnancy complication she was diagnosed with, which can result in the death of both mother and baby, is 60% more likely to occur in Black women than White women. Additionally, Black women living in the United States are four times more likely to die from pregnancy complications compared to white women.

Allyson Felix discusses the importance of listening to Black mothers

With this being said, Felix was determined to bring awareness to this shocking data. “I am extremely proud to be an elite athlete and to have this legacy on the track, but it doesn’t stop there,” she said. “I am more than a sprinter. More than an Olympian. I am a mom. If I can use my voice and platform to speak on the inequalities facing Black pregnant women and the Black maternal mortality rate, I absolutely will.”

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The mother proceeded to explain her hopes with the advocacy: she hopes if more people listen and understand the stories of Black women, it will translate to equal birthing opportunities.

“I want them to listen to our Black moms,” Felix shared. “Really listen to their needs and concerns. I want them to have the respect that all moms deserve when bringing in new life to this world.”