Despite recent adjustments to workout regimen as a result of Coronavirus global pandemic, Felix remains focused on qualifying for fifth career Games in Tokyo, as long as U.S. trials and Olympics proceed as scheduled

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

For any high school or collegiate track and field athlete, the cancellation of winter championship meets and the potential for elimination of entire spring seasons as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic has created unpredictable training schedules and uncertain futures.

For the most decorated female athlete in the sport’s history, the prospect of a cancellation or postponement of the U.S. Olympic Trials and Olympics this summer in Tokyo could jeopardize how Allyson Felix desires to end her professional career.

Felix, 34, was a guest Thursday on the “Mason and Ireland Show” on ESPN radio in Los Angeles, discussing with co-hosts Steve Mason and Ramona Shelburne not only how her training regimen in Southern California has been adjusted in recent weeks, but also her outlook for the spring and summer in pursuit of qualifying for a fifth straight Olympics.

“It’s been pretty crazy, but we’ve just been trying to adapt to everything,” said Felix, a nine-time Olympic medalist and the only female track and field athlete with six career golds.

“Everything on the track is pretty much the same. Thankfully we have tracks that are still open.

“The gym has gotten a little interesting. Our gym has been shut down, but thankfully I have a small gym in my home and so my trainers are coming here and we’re just making things work.”

Another unique dynamic for Felix in comparison to past Olympic training cycles has been her role as a mother and balancing workouts with caring for 15-month-old daughter Camryn.

“Even with training at home, we’re just kind of adapting and going with the flow,” Felix said. “It’s weird because she can see me in the gym, but obviously she can’t be with me, so she’s not so happy about that. But on some of my breaks, I’m giving her some kisses and giving her some love.”

Felix made her ninth consecutive appearance at the World Outdoor Championships in September and October in Doha, Qatar, setting the record with her 12th and 13th career gold medals, the most by any athlete in the event’s history.

Felix competed on the mixed 4x400-meter relay, contributing to a world-record performance of 3 minutes, 9.34 seconds for the U.S., then ran in the preliminary heats of the women’s 4x400 relay, setting the stage for the American quartet to capture gold with a different lineup in the final.

As the International Olympic Committee continues to meet to discuss the possibilities for the July event in Tokyo, Felix continues to maintain as much normalcy as possible when it comes to gym and track workouts.

“Training wise, you have to keep moving forward in order to be prepared,” Felix said. “Obviously it’s an extremely fluid situation and we’re just waiting to hear updates day by day. Obviously nothing like this has ever happened before, so it’s just a really interesting situation.”

With the cancellation of the Mt. SAC Relays – her usual outdoor season opener in April – as well as the postponement of the first three competitions on the Wanda Diamond League schedule until the fall, Felix remains uncertain as to when she’ll have an opportunity to compete next in preparation for the U.S. Olympic Trials, which are currently slated for June 19-28 in Eugene, Ore.

“It’s kind of like every other sport. We’re kind of just on hold and waiting to see what’s happening and when things will resume,” Felix said. “Obviously this is a situation that is so much bigger than us, so we obviously get it. But we’re training every single day and it’s so precise. Timing is everything with all of this.”

Depending on the duration and spread of the Coronavirus pandemic, although the IOC maintains competition in Tokyo will continue as scheduled, a real possibility exists of the Olympics being moved on the calendar, if not completely canceled.

Felix chooses to remain optimistic, understanding there are no guarantees when it comes to not only qualifying for a final Olympic team, but even having the opportunity to compete in Tokyo if she does.

“That’s been the focus for four years now. It’s been intense and everything has been geared toward that,” Felix said. “I’m 34 and this my last go-round, so a postponement of two years doesn’t really work for me. There’s so many different things to think about when dealing with it.

“You dedicate your life to this and you don’t know how many moments you’re going to have.”