DOHA: Seven-time Olympic gold medallist Allyson Felix has chosen Qatar’s Aspire Academy as a training base as she prepares for a return to competition with the goal of qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Felix, 42, announced her comeback in April after four years away from the track and is targeting a place at the Games in her hometown, where she hopes to compete as part of the U.S. relay team.
The American sprinter, who won Olympic titles across the 200 metres, 400 metres and relay events, said Aspire Academy’s world-class facilities and athlete support programmes made it an ideal location to begin her preparations.
“I’ve been coming to Qatar for many years and every visit has been incredibly welcoming,” Felix said. “Aspire is one of the best places in the world to train, and it’s important for it to be part of my journey as I work towards returning to competition.”
Felix said her decision to return was driven by curiosity rather than a desire to replicate past achievements.
“It’s about discovering what’s still possible at this stage of my life,” she said. “With Los Angeles hosting the Olympics, my goal is to make the U.S. team, and I hope to be part of the relay squad.”
Aspire Academy said hosting Felix reinforces its reputation as a destination for elite athlete preparation while offering its student-athletes the opportunity to learn from one of track and field’s most decorated competitors.
