World High Jump champion Jesse Williams with Allyson Felix (© Kirby Lee)
season break did provide a respite from training, it didn't keep Allyson Felix from a packed travel schedule and fulfilling several non-sporting duties and passions.
“Hello,
“I am preparing for the 2012 season in earnest.
“I definitely enjoyed my break from training after the World Championships. I feel rejuvenated and refreshed and ready to tackle this very intense year. I'm also just so excited about this whole year. I've already returned to training and it's always difficult to get back into the swing of things but I'm happy to have gotten things underway.
“During my training break, I didn’t get much of a break of all.
“I was part of the Presidential Delegation representing our country at the opening ceremony of the Pan-American Games in Guadalajara. It was a great experience and my first time to ever see an opening ceremony from the stands. Guadalajara did an amazing job organizing the games.
“I recently returned from Lebanon, the Palestinian territories and Jerusalem and had a phenomenal time. I'm in athlete Ambassador for Right to Play, an organisation that uses sport to help children with development, health and peace. I saw a completely different side of the world and I was happy to be helping children which is a huge passion of mine.
“I visited USC with fellow Trojan Jesse Williams to give a talk at a track team dinner that was arranged by athletic director Pat Haden and coach Ron Allice. My brother and manager Wes attended and it was great for him to visit with Jesse. They were team captains together during Wes' senior year at USC in 2004.
“I answered questions on a wide range of topics. The thing I most wanted to convey is to continue getting an amazing education while they are also pursuing their athletic endeavors. I also tried to shed some light on some of the struggles professional track athletes have and a different perspective of this sport as a career.
“It was only fitting that I decided to be a USC Song girl for Halloween because I love my school and any time I get a chance to show my spirit I do.
“Thanks for reading,”
Allyson