Gabby Thomas has opened up on how being an elite track athlete has impacted her relationships.
Olympic champion Gabby Thomas has shared insights into the challenges of maintaining personal relationships while competing at the highest level of track and field.
The three-time Olympic gold medalist recently revealed how her demanding career often requires her inner circle to adjust to her absence from social gatherings and important life events.
In a candid interview with Cosmopolitan, Thomas opened up about how her track career has influenced her relationships, particularly with close friends.
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Despite missing out on girls’ trips and birthday celebrations, she expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support of those around her.
“My friends are incredible,” Thomas said.
“I have my training partners who I see every single day. They really are my best friends and like my sisters. We go through so many hardships together, and we get it. It’s emotional support, and they make me better. Having that type of community every day as I’m training for the Olympics is crucial.”
Beyond her training circle, Thomas also acknowledged the steadfast support of her friends from Harvard, where she studied before emerging as one of the world’s top sprinters.
!['I'll be rooting for her'- Justin Gatlin snubs Julien Alfred, Gabby Thomas as he picks his favourite 200m runner](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/10022025/1985b816-8d50-4d0f-af88-006b4d7cedd6.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
The 2004 Olympic champion has disclosed the 200m he is rooting for this season as he snubbed Gabby Thomas, Julien Alfred and Shericka Jackson.
“I also have my day-ones from Harvard who helped me get to where I am now before I was even considered a fast sprinter. They all came to Paris, too. I had a great squad. They just understand the life.”
This circle also inludes her boyfriend Spencer McManes,who was spotted celebrating with her after she won the 200-meter race at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“I miss out on a lot of things being a professional athlete, like the girls’ trips and birthday celebrations, and having that understanding from them is just incredible,” she noted.
Her high school friends have also played a significant role in her journey, with many making the trip to Paris to support her during theGames.
“I have this long line of community and support that means everything to me. I don’t think I could be here without that because they keep me sane and balanced.”
Thomas’ reflections highlight the sacrifices required to be a world-class athlete, but they also underscore the importance of having a strong support system.
While her training and competition schedule often take precedence, the understanding and encouragement from her loved ones allow her to thrive both on and off the track.