Championships, and she made history again
at the 2009 IAAF World Outdoor Cham-
pionships by becoming the first woman to
win three world 200-meter titles. At
the 2012 Olympic Games in London,
Felix took gold in the 200-meter
race, the 4x100-meter relay and the
4x400-meter relay, making her the
first athlete since 1988 to win three
gold medals in a single Olympics.
track in the ninth grade. Felix is the
daughter of an elementary school
teacher and an ordained minister
and professor of New Testament at
the Master's Seminary in Sun Val-
ley, California. Her brother is also a
sprinter. Growing up in a Christian
home was instrumental in shaping
Felix's faith. The Olympian thanks
God for her athletic ability: "For me,
my faith is the reason I run. I defi-
has blessed me with, and it's all about using
it to the best of my ability." Felix accepted
Christ at a young age, and has been vocal
about her commitment to God ever since.
important aspect of my life.
sor] and I grew up in a very
strong Christian home. Our
family was very involved in our
church. I am so blessed to have
my family and the upbringing
that I did. It means so much
to me to have two very godly
parents who both have so much
wisdom. They are amazing role
models that I have had the privi-
lege to watch as I grew up.
young age. Ever since then, I
have continually been striving
to grow in my relationship with
perfect child. I had my share of
diffi
made, but thankfully God never
stops loving me.
struggles every day. My goal is
to be more Christ-like each and
every day and that is not an
easy task. I know that I'm trying
to be something diff erent from
[other Olympic runners] and af-
ter I run I hope that people can
distinguish [Christ-like] charac-
ter in the way I present myself.