Two of the most celebrated athletes of their generation, Allyson Felix and Misty Copeland, are proving that athletic mastery doesn’t end with retirement. Instead, they’re leveraging their platforms to build lasting legacies, not just in their sports but in business and social impact.
The Shift from Competition to Creation
During a recent panel discussion hosted by Hearst Magazines’ Female Force event, Felix and Copeland discussed their intentional approach to shaping their post-competition futures. This event, celebrating female entrepreneurship, served as the backdrop for a conversation about how these women are turning sports mastery into sustainable impact.
Copeland, the first Black principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), is now focused on expanding access to ballet through the Misty Copeland Foundation. Felix, the most decorated female Olympian in track and field, co-founded both Saysh (a women’s footwear brand) and Always Alpha (a women’s sports management company).
Their transition isn’t accidental; it’s a direct response to challenges they faced in their careers.
Overcoming Barriers and Building Equity
Copeland highlighted the importance of timing and community in navigating spaces not designed for inclusivity. She emphasized that succeeding in those spaces requires building strong networks, particularly among other Black women who served as mentors. Her current focus is on storytelling through Life in Motion Productions and making ballet more accessible through programs like BE BOLD (for children) and BE BOLDER (for adults).
Felix echoed this sentiment, sharing the difficulties she faced as an athlete and a mother. She publicly exposed Nike’s attempt to cut her pay by 70% during pregnancy, a move that sparked industry-wide change. This experience fueled her advocacy for equity in sports, and the creation of Always Alpha, a firm dedicated to representing female athletes differently.
“Women’s sports marketing is not just the same as men’s.” – Allyson Felix
Beyond Performance: Access and Innovation
Both women recognize that access is critical to building a more equitable future. Copeland’s foundation provides free after-school ballet programs in underserved communities, emphasizing the transferable life skills gained through dance. Felix’s Saysh brand addresses a fundamental inequality in the athletic footwear industry, exposing how women were essentially sold “men’s shoes in disguise.”
This commitment to innovation extends to their business models. Always Alpha focuses exclusively on female talent, recognizing the unique needs of women in sports marketing.
The Power of Gratitude and Stillness
Despite their demanding schedules, both Felix and Copeland prioritize personal well-being. Felix maintains a gratitude journal, while Copeland finds stillness through moments with her son or quiet reading. Their advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: don’t wait for the “perfect” moment—just start.
“There’s never this perfect moment to start something…Sometimes you just have to take that first step.” – Allyson Felix
Copeland added, “Just because there isn’t a blueprint doesn’t mean it’s not possible.”
In conclusion, Allyson Felix and Misty Copeland are redefining what it means to be a successful athlete. By turning their experiences into opportunities for change, they are building legacies that extend far beyond the playing field and the stage, proving that impact can be as powerful as performance.
