In a year when the spotlight shined brightly on the world's best athletes, few made as dazzling an impression as Gabby Thomas. The 27-year-old sprinter left the Paris Olympics with more gold than any other track and field athlete, solidifying her status as a true standout. Over five unforgettable days, Thomas claimed victory in three events—the 200 meters, the 4x100-meter relay, and the 4x400-meter relay—proving that she is not only versatile but also unstoppable.
Gabby Thomas’s success was no accident; it was the result of meticulous planning and rigorous training. Known primarily as a 200-meter specialist, Thomas showcased her remarkable range by dominating across multiple events. Alongside her coach, Tonja Buford-Bailey, Thomas had set her sights on a triple gold victory early in the season. This goal required her to fine-tune her skills for the 100, 200, and 400 meters, a demanding challenge that she embraced fully.
Despite an early season hiccup at the Los Angeles Grand Prix, where she finished sixth in the 200 meters with an uncharacteristically slow time, Thomas remained confident. On social media, she reassured her fans that everything was on track, explaining that she was in the midst of a tough training block. Her message was clear: the slow time was part of the plan. And she was right. Thomas didn't lose another race over 200 meters for the rest of the season, entering the Olympics as the favorite even after 2023 world champion Shericka Jackson withdrew.
In the 200-meter final on August 6, Thomas executed her race to near perfection. She took the lead 80 meters in and never looked back, clocking a time of 21.83 seconds to hold off 100-meter gold medalist Julien Alfred. Her commanding victory set the tone for what would be a historic week.
Three days later, Thomas ran the third leg in the 4x100-meter relay, smoothly passing the baton to Sha'Carri Richardson, who brought home the gold for Team USA. Finally, in the 4x400-meter relay, Thomas anchored the team with a blistering 49.30-second split, helping the U.S. not only win gold but also break the national record.
When all was said and done, Gabby Thomas left Paris with three gold medals, the most of any track and field athlete at the 2024 Games. Her performances were not just victories; they were statements.
Reflecting on her Olympic journey, Thomas gave herself a 90/100, a solid "A." But as a self-proclaimed perfectionist, she acknowledged that there were always areas to improve. “I’m a perfectionist,” she said. “There are always things to improve on, but I came and I got the job done … Competing on that level, on that stage, always has its challenges, so to come out with the gold, it’s just such an accomplishment. I’m so grateful.”
Gabby Thomas's journey to the top of the track and field world has been anything but ordinary. Growing up in western Massachusetts, she dabbled in various events before finding her niche in sprinting. In high school, she even tried her hand at cross-country but quickly realized that long distances weren’t her forte. “It was awful,” she laughed, recalling how she had to walk in the middle of a 5K race.
Thomas’s versatility, however, has been a constant throughout her career. In high school, she won New England Prep School championships in the 100 meters and long jump, and in college at Harvard, she won three Ivy League Heptagonal Championships in the long jump. But it was the 200 meters where she truly shined, setting an NCAA indoor record of 22.38 seconds.
An interesting detail from her Olympic run was her choice of footwear. Thomas, along with other New Balance athletes, wore the FuelCell SuperComp MD-X v3 spikes, a shoe designed for both sprinters and distance runners. This versatile spike proved to be the perfect fit for Thomas, who ran her way to three gold medals in them. “I tried a couple of the spikes, and I just felt so comfortable in that one. I ran some really good races in it, and so I really don’t like to change things when they’re working … It’s my gold-medal spike,” she said.
The energy of the Paris Olympics was something Thomas embraced fully. Competing in front of a roaring crowd at the Stade de France, the largest stadium in the country, was an experience unlike any other. The atmosphere was a stark contrast to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where COVID-19 restrictions kept fans out of the stands.
“It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before,” Thomas said. “It was just so much fun to compete in front of [the fans]. The first time I walked out there, I was just like, ‘Whoa.’ Nothing can prepare you for that.”
With the Olympics behind her, Thomas is planning to take a short break from competition. However, she’s already looking ahead to future events, including possibly running in some Diamond League races later this season. In addition to her athletic pursuits, Thomas is also working on launching the Athlos track meet in New York City, an all-women’s competition set for September 26. The event, co-organized with entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian, promises the largest prize purse ever for a women’s track event, with $60,000 going to the winner of each race.
Gabby Thomas is excited about the future, not just for herself but for the sport as a whole. “I think it’ll be a great step forward in track and field and in women’s sports in general,” she said.
If there were an MVP award for Team USA’s track and field squad, Gabby Thomas would be the clear choice. Her triple gold performance in Paris was a testament to her talent, versatility, and determination. As she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, both on and off the track, one thing is certain: Gabby Thomas is a force to be reckoned with, and she’s only just getting started.
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