Gabby Thomas questioned the online criticism of her Harvard credentials, highlighting the racial bias and skepticism she faces despite her academic and athletic achievements.
Gabby Thomas continues to be shocked by how many people have attacked her and questioned her intellectual abilities following her steady rise to fame after the Paris Olympic Games.
Gabby Thomas became the first American woman since Allyson Felix to win an Olympic gold medal in the 200m and she continued her winning ways to the women’s 4x100m and 4x400m relay.
The triple Olympic champion became a favourite of many but others decided to scrutinize her achievements off the track. Now, some have doubted the credibility of her education milestones.
Olympics champion Gabby Thomas has had to unleash another of her subtle comebacks after firing back at a hater who questioned whether she is intelligent enough.
The world 200m silver medallist first graduated from Harvard University in 2019 with a degree in neurobiology and global health and later achieved her Master’s Degree in Epidemiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
Recently, a ton of people have come at her, forcing her to be vulnerable and question why there are many doubters of her success and outline the challenges of being a black person.
“Today, on Jan 26, 2025, there are hundreds of people commenting on my Twitter page that specifically because I am black, they must assume I did not earn my admission into Harvard nor did I earn my diploma. Is this real life??” she asked.
The 28-year-old had initially clapped back at an X user who attacked her, claiming that she does not come off as smart enough. “Gabby Thomas doesn’t sound like she’s the brightest out there,” the user shared.
Replying to the tweet, Gabby said: “You’re probably right 🤷🏽♀️ 😂 darn my Harvard degree.”
Another X user also shared: “Doesn’t mean you are smart. DEI could let you in Harvard with half the grades actually needed.”
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“Having a degree from Harvard isn’t the flex you think it is,” another told Gabby Thomas.
However, some of her staunch fans came to her defence, with one commenting: “Yes, degrees typically don’t make you smart however neurobiology degree?? Dang Gabby, how are you doing??????”
Another fan said: “I’m not sure of a more triple threat woman on the planet right now in terms of brains, beauty, athletic ability. Yet she still seems pretty humble and down to earth.”
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Another fan shared: “First off you’re brilliant, never forget it, and always remind them in real life! You are the best of us Gabby! My babies have looked up to you, they see what’s possible and want it too.”
Since her dominant exploits at the Paris Olympic Games, Gabby Thomas has received love and hate in equal measure and as she continues to dominate the track, she will also have to learn how to handle the pressure that comes from the internet.
