Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix, 30, is a total rockstar on and off the track. Not only is she one of the fastest women in the world, but her positive attitude is undeniably contagious and continues to inspire young female athletes (and women in general—including us!) around the globe. Here, we spoke to the sprinter about her Olympic experience in Rio, her favorite beauty products and the song that gets her pumped up before a big race, plus much more.
NewBeauty: How does it feel to become the first American female track athlete to win six gold medals?
Allyson Felix: It’s a very special thing for me. I’m able to look back over the things that I’ve accomplished and just be very thankful for all the sport has given me. I never really imagined that I would’ve gotten here, but I’m very grateful for all of the experiences.
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NB: How do you keep your skin in check while training?
AF: I just make sure to have a good regimen. Making sure my skin is very clean, and since I’m training outside, making sure I have sunscreen. And then of course, I feel like what you put into your body has a lot to do with your skin as well, so making sure my diet is clean to be able to help myself have clear skin.
NB: What does your “day-off” beauty look consist of?
AF: As I’m going about my day, definitely more natural. I like earthy tones and things like that. If I’m going out or to an event, then I like to have more fun with my makeup.
NB: What are your must-have beauty products?
AF: I like Olay Fresh Effects facial wipes and Olay Complete moisturizer. Lip balm is also a staple—for me, it’s CoverGirl Lipslicks Smoochies Lip Balm.
NB: What are your fitness wardrobe staples?
AF: I definitely have my favorite pieces: boyshorts and airborne tops. I love patterns and pops of color. Anything that’s kind of a unique piece. I’m definitely all about function, but I think that fashion with sport is nice as well.
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NB: Do you have any go-to healthy snacks that help fuel you in or out of training?
AF: I like different nuts—cashews and almonds. Those are go-to snacks I have on the go. Fruit and things that are easy to carry with me are great. Frozen grapes are another favorite.
NB: What is your favorite song to listen to before a big race?
AF: I always talk about the Beyoncé song “Diva.” To me that song is all about transforming into the person that I usually am away from the track. So it kind of helps me get into the zone.
NB: What do you like to do when you’re off the track and out of the gym?
AF: I like to bowl. I also live near the beach, so I like to go and ride my bike on the beach.
NB: Tell me about your partnership with Bounty for the 2016 Olympics.
AF: It’s a great partnership. I feel like it’s very authentic. I used the product even before the sponsorship, and it makes sense because I’m quick on the track and they’re quick at picking up spills. I also love the whole Thank You Mom campaign, which is very special because my mom is such a huge supporter of me, and I find strength from her. She’s just an amazing woman. I love that they celebrate her and other moms who all sacrifice so much, whether their children are Olympians or doing whatever it is they’re passionate about. It’s something I’ve long been a fan of.
NB: You turned 30 this year. Does anything feel different?
AF: It doesn’t really feel different, but I would definitely say I feel like now I can use the experiences I’ve had before. There’s was no waking up and feeling so different, but I definitely feel like I can draw on previous experiences now.
NB: What is one thing you want to do in your life that you haven’t done yet?
AF: Just travel to new places I’ve never been before, like some new places in Africa.
