Gabby Thomas: A Rising Star in Track and Field
SAINT-DENIS, France — The phenomenon of stardom is a complex and often elusive concept. It lacks a definitive framework yet carries immense weight. It’s an unspoken understanding, a recognition of adoration that transcends any formal metric. In this realm, Gabby Thomas has unequivocally earned her place.
On Tuesday, Thomas solidified her status by delivering a breathtaking performance in the women’s 200-meter final. Emerging from the turn with fierce determination, she showcased a power that stems from years of relentless effort. Her winning time of 21.83 seconds, while impressive, doesn’t fully capture the extent of her dominance. Thomas had something to prove, and she did so under the bright lights of Stade de France, claiming gold and officially submitting her application for superstar status in her sport.
“I feel like I am a big name now in track and field,” she reflected, enveloped by the American flag like a cape. “I feel like I’ve earned my respect — and it took years. But that’s what it takes. I went against some really, really good runners today. And I did it.”
No longer can anyone overlook Gabrielle Lisa Thomas. She has firmly established herself among the elite in American athletics.
Thomas made history as the first American woman to clinch the 200-meter title at the Olympics since Allyson Felix triumphed over Jamaican icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in 2012 in Rio de Janeiro. This victory was not merely the birth of a star; it represented a true blossoming, a culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
Thomas has been methodically and consistently evolving into an Olympic champion. This moment was the result of meticulous preparation, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. Her ascendance to the role of a marquee athlete is no accident; it is the result of patience and perseverance.
“I am ready,” she confidently declared. “I’ve had years of experience now. I’m a mature athlete. I can handle the pressure. And, I’ve proven myself. I am ready and I am excited about it.”
And she is absolutely right.
With an Olympic gold and a bronze medal in the 200 meters, plus a silver in the 4×100 meter relay, Thomas’s accolades speak volumes. Additionally, she captured a silver medal in the women’s 200 at the 2023 World Championships and a gold in the same event in the 4×100 relay. That totals five prestigious medals.
Tuesday’s 200-meter final was yet another demonstration of her ability to rise to the occasion. The only notable absence from the spectacle at Stade de France was Jamaican Shericka Jackson, the world’s top-ranked 200-meter sprinter, who holds the fastest times since the legendary Florence Griffith-Joyner.
Jackson’s withdrawal left 100-meter champion Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia as Thomas’s primary competitor. However, Alfred found herself outmatched this evening, and Jackson likely would have been too.
“I was confident before that,” Thomas said, reflecting on Jackson’s absence. “And I was confident going into this race.”
Beyond her prowess on the track, Thomas embodies inspiration. Raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide an education for her children, Thomas’s work ethic is woven into her very being. She has not only excelled in athletics but has also achieved academic excellence, graduating from Harvard with a degree in neurobiology and earning a master’s in public health with a focus on epidemiology from the University of Texas. Meanwhile, she dedicates her time volunteering at a health care clinic, driven by a desire to address disparities in healthcare.
“She’s the type of female that everybody should look up to and aspire to be like,” said McKenzie Long, a recent Ole Miss graduate who finished seventh in her first Olympic final. “She’s a role model for us all.”
Off the track, Thomas is a marketable force, showcasing a range of interests and talents that enhance her appeal as a spokesperson. She endorses brands such as New Balance and Sephora and is a prominent figure in Alexis Ohanian’s new women’s track event, ATHLOS.
On the track, Thomas is a formidable competitor. During the race, Alfred felt the pressure as Thomas surged ahead. To keep pace with Thomas, one must either start strong out of the turn or risk falling behind. However, Thomas’s approach forces opponents into a challenging position, as she is capable of pushing the first 100 meters while maintaining her strength for the final stretch.
“She’s strong,” Alfred noted, her voice rising in emphasis. “She’s a very strong athlete mentally and physically.”
People are often surprised by Thomas’s resilience. Her cheerful demeanor and warm smile can mislead observers into underestimating her competitive spirit. Many see her beauty and academic achievements and mistakenly assume she lacks the ferocity of a true athlete.
But Thomas thrives on defying those assumptions. She was never a prodigy and didn’t emerge from a renowned track program. Instead, she transitioned from Harvard to Tokyo to Paris, evolving within the sport without initial accolades or expectations. Nothing was simply handed to her on the basis of potential.
“This is years in the making,” she asserted. “People don’t really see what goes on behind the scenes and how hard we work.”
Now, the only remaining gap in her illustrious resume was the absence of a gold medal. With her triumph at the Olympics, that void has been filled. That’s the hallmark of a true superstar.
Required reading
- Gabby Thomas: The U.S. track star with a bigger goal beyond Olympic medals
(Photo: Steph Chambers / Getty Images)
