Britton Wilson’s journey is a captivating transformation rewriting the narrative. A sociology major at the University of Arkansas, Wilson has conquered academics and left an indelible mark on collegiate athletics. Her journey began in eighth grade, and she has evolved into a record-breaking high school athlete. Balancing academics and athletics with unwavering discipline, she holds five collegiate records and the American record for the indoor 400 meters, an unprecedented feat.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Britton Wilson is an impassioned advocate for women’s mental health in sports, drawing from her battles with anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and body dysmorphia. She aspires to become a professional runner while nurturing her talents in singing and content creation, embodying a commitment to personal growth and the sporting community.
In an exclusive interview, Britton Wilson sat down with legendary Olympian Allyson Felix, co-founder of Saysh, a lifestyle and shoe brand that champions women. Saysh makes its track debut with the Felix Runner, pushing boundaries with initiatives like the Maternal Returns Policy for women’s unique needs during pregnancy. Witness these two trailblazers discuss life, sports, and the future in this exclusive feature.
Allyson Felix: Britton, congratulations on everything! What sparked your interest in track? Was it a childhood dream or something that evolved over time?
Britton Wilson: Track was not always a childhood dream. My older sister was the one into track and basketball. I was more focused on dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading. My family had a strong tradition of dance and cheer, so I wanted to follow in their footsteps. Competitive cheer became a big part of my life—with my mom by my side—during middle and high school. However, my high school track coach saw potential and encouraged me to focus on track for a potential scholarship. It was tough to give up cheer, but I eventually did. Initially, the track was a challenging transition, very different from cheer, but as I found my passion and improved, the dream of pursuing it at the college level and even aiming for the Olympics began to take shape.
That’s such a unique journey, especially for professionals and Olympians. And I love that you were able to transition and find passion. Do you still have a love for dance? Does it continue to be a part of your life?
Absolutely! I adore dance and cheer. I always catch every dance competition on TV or the cheerleading world on ESPN. I often say I hope my future child wants to be a cheerleader before considering track and field.
What’s it been like finding harmony between all your responsibilities? As a student-athlete, how do you manage your packed schedule, juggling studies, competitions, and representing Team USA?
It’s challenging, especially in the world of track and field. Initially, I was overwhelmed and frustrated, feeling like I was having major FOMO [fear of missing out] on what others were doing. But over time I’ve come to appreciate the balance. I’ve developed a deep passion for my sport and education, striving to improve myself. I realized that these sacrifices were necessary for my goals, and it doesn’t feel negative anymore. Even though it’s still tough, given the demands of both school and track, achieving that balance and successfully managing track meets and finals simultaneously are incredibly rewarding, and it makes me proud of what I can accomplish.
