Gabby Thomas shares her journey of overcoming challenges, finding belonging among extraordinary individuals and excelling in both athletics and academics.
Triple Olympic champion Gabby Thomas has revealed the challenges that shaped her journey to success, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, self-belief and a strong support system.
The track and field star, who dominated the 100m and 200m events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, discussed her experiences when she was hosted by influencer and YouTuber, Mackz.
During the conversation, Thomas reflected on how she initially felt out of place when surrounded by exceptionally talented individuals, both in athletics and academics.
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The Harvard University graduate opened up about overcoming self-doubt and embracing hard work to establish herself as one of the top sprinters in the world.
“Being at Harvard and being at a D1 program, I mean, I was exposed to people who were just all around better than me,” Thomas admitted.
“They were people in the rooms that are smarter than me; they were more athletic than me and so I just felt so defeated a lot of the time.”
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Despite facing these challenges, Thomas refused to let intimidation hold her back.
Instead, she used it as motivation to push herself harder and prove that she belonged among the best, as her relentless determination led her to become a two-time Ivy League Most Outstanding Track Performer and a decorated sprinter on the global stage.
“So I think it was just being in those spaces with such extraordinary people and then realizing that putting my head down and through hard work, I also belong in those spaces and I proved that to myself,” she said. “I just—I got so addicted to that feeling and I just want to show everyone else that they can also do that.”
Thomas’ career skyrocketed when she clinched one gold and one silver medal at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
However, it was at the 2024 Paris Olympics where she truly cemented her legacy by winning three gold medals, taking the track and field world by storm.
Beyond her athletic excellence, Thomas attributes much of her success to the unwavering support of those around her.
“For me, being surrounded by people that are uplifting and supportive and empowering really fuels me and it definitely has gotten me to where I am today,” Thomas shared via NBC Sports.
“I’ve always been surrounded by that kind of energy and that type of support system, especially in Cambridge and especially here in Austin.”
Her accomplishments extend beyond the track, as Thomas has also excelled in academics.
