I quit my high school cross country team after my Freshman year when my Coach shared that I would likely finish last at every race (his actual quote: “someone has to finish last”). After those inspiring words, I attended the University of Pennsylvania where I won a national championship as the varsity coxswain for the heavyweight rowing team. In building my business, I have incorporated the benefits and joy that sports and running, in particular, bring to friendship, community and success.
Prior to joining Atalanta NY, I was President and General Counsel of HICKIES, Inc., an alternative shoe lacing startup that sold more than 6 million pairs of its patented elastic laces. I formerly practiced law at Friedman Kaplan Seiler & Adelman LLP, focusing on complex commercial and securities litigation. I also raced as a professional duathlete for three seasons during the mid-2000s and then raced around as a stay-at-home father of a daughter and son before returning to the world of startups.
The shortest race I've ever run is the 400m, and longest run is 18 miles. I typically prefer to run without headphones, but when I do, I love listening to running podcasts or my favorite musicians, Hozier and Dermot Kennedy.
It seems like we already know everything we need to know about her, but in many ways she is still carving her path. Her commitment to excellence has cast a shadow of predictability, but Allyson Felix stands alone.
With a recent event change on the track, Allyson is still honing her craft and seems to find passion and determination rivaled only by the greatest of the greats. Serena Williams. Michael Jordan. Kobe Bryant. She continues to dig deep and find new goals to motivate and drive her.
At this stage of her career Allyson has found passions off the track which she believes are her true calling. She loves children and serves as a member of the Right To Play board hoping to raise awareness for underserved children in developing regions. She has hosted a wrap-up series for an Emmy- winning prime- time show on NBC. Allyson has accomplished so much, but her greatest accomplishment and her greatest love is her daughter, Camryn, who reminds her everyday that she can never stop fighting for what is right in this world. She continues to strive for greatness in all areas reminding us that we all can achieve things we never dreamed of.
Photo by @djeneba.aduayom for @nytimes.
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I didn't grow up running. In fact, I was pretty bad at most "traditional" sports. Yet, I loved being on a team and pursuing my personal best. Rowing during high school and college turned me into a runner toward the end of college. Ever since then, my ambition has been to help others unlock their potential - and to bring people together - through sport and fitness.
After starting my career as a corporate lawyer, I have followed my dream - working in leadership roles in sport and fitness for over 20 years. My favorite place in the world is Central Park at sunrise. I always run with my phone and these days spend as much time taking pictures as I do picking up the pace.
