Christian Athlete Faith Profile: Allyson Felix

Allyson Felix has accomplished a lot at a young age. During her teens she was labeled the fastest girl on the planet. As a Christian athlete, she has set and met some very high goals. Yet, there's another finish line Allyson has her eyes set on in this life—becoming more Christ-like is a daily goal.

Growing up in a strong Christian home with a pastor as a father, Allyson is not afraid to stand up for her faith, which she says is the most important aspect of her life.

Sport: Track & Field
Date of Birth: November 18, 1985
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Church Affiliation: Non-Denominational, Christian
More: Allyson's Official Website

Allyson grew up in a Christian home with a family that was very involved in the church. Her parents made sure she had a strong upbringing that was centered on God. Allyson has said that she became a Christian at a very young age, around 6 years old. "My knowledge about God grew as I did and my walk with God eventually became much stronger as I got older."

Allyson attends church every Sunday when she is at home. When she travels, she takes sermons from various pastors to listen to while on the road. She also reads the Bible regularly and goes through different Bible studies. In this way, she can feel that she is constantly challenging herself to grow in her relationship with God.

In addition, she really enjoys Cynthia Heald's books. Allyson has done a number of her Bible studies and read her books and has found them very practical and beneficial. She also has a lot of Christian artists that she enjoys listening to. Some of Allyson's favorites are Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary and Donnie McClurkin. As Allyson has said, "Their music is so 'relatable' and inspiring."

Allyson has said that there are a lot of different verses that inspire her life: "Philippians 1:21 is very special to me because it helps to keep my life centered. In every situation in my life I want to be able to say, 'For me to live is Christ... and nothing else, and to die is gain.' It really keeps life in perspective for me and encourages me to make sure my priorities are straight."

Allyson claims the most important lesson that she has learned is to trust God in every circumstance. Lots of times we go through different trials and following God's plan seems like it doesn't make any sense at all. God is always in control and he will never leave us. We can depend on him. Allyson believes that she can never know best and that she should always trust in God.

Allyson's faith inspires her and she has said that it is the very reason that she runs. "I feel that my running is completely a gift from God and it is my responsibility to use it to glorify him. My faith also helps me not be consumed with winning, but to see the big picture and what life is really all about."

Without a doubt, Allyson's personal heroes are her parents. "I could not ask for better role models in my life. I admire them so much because they are real people yet they live such godly lives. They have countless responsibilities and hectic schedules, but they know what their life is all about, and they have a passion for sharing their faith and making a difference in our community."