IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson Come Back for Greatness with Allyson and Wes Felix
Apr 29, 2026
Wes Felix, athlete-turned-manager and entrepreneur who manages careers and builds sports brands. Allyson Felix, legendary sprinter, mother, and maternal health advocate who founded a women-focused shoe company. They chat sibling dynamics and career pivots. They discuss pregnancy, maternity protections, founding a women-specific footwear brand, and the drive to return to elite competition.
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Wes Proposed Managing Allyson After Seeing Low Pay
- Wes Felix proposed managing Allyson after seeing her low sponsorship income despite Olympic success.
- At the time Allyson earned roughly $35,000 a year from a couple sponsors while Wes argued she deserved far more.
Olympic Earnings Happen In A Tiny Window
- Olympic athletes' earning windows are narrow because global attention focuses on two weeks every four years, making sponsorship timing critical.
- Allyson describes her race as ~22 seconds where mistakes cost you another four-year wait.
Allyson Hid Pregnancy During Sponsor Negotiations
- Allyson Felix hid her pregnancy and trained in secret while negotiating with sponsors after she decided to start a family.
- Nike initially offered 70% less pay and negotiations happened before maternal protections were written, which made her feel isolated and scared.