Thomas, who clinched three gold medals at the Paris Olympic games, has explained why she is still wary of Shericka Jackson’s return this season.
American sprint sensation Gabby Thomas has made it clear that she cannot afford to relax in her quest to dominate the 200 meters, especially with Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson regaining her fitness.
Despite Thomas’ phenomenal 2024 season, the Olympic champion acknowledges the challenge ahead, with Jackson set to re-establish herself as one of the sport’s most formidable competitors.
Thomas, who shone brightly throughout 2024, proved her versatility and dominance across various events.
From a commanding victory in the 300 meters at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix to clinching gold in the 4x100m relay at the World Athletics Relays, Thomas left no doubt about her status as a sprint powerhouse. Yet, she remains realistic about the ever-present threat posed by her Jamaican rivals.
Jackson, a two-time World Champion, recently made her comeback after a challenging six-month hiatus due to injury. At the Queen’s/Grace Jackson Development Meet in Kingston, she announced her return with a solid second-place finish in the 60 meters, clocking 7.18 seconds.
Although Jodean Williams claimed victory with a time of 7.15 seconds, Jackson’s performance signaled her readiness to compete again at the highest level.
The Jamaican sprinter’s return is particularly noteworthy, considering the adversity she faced in 2024. After starting her season with a win at the JAAA All Comers Series #1, Jackson’s campaign hit turbulence with a disappointing fifth-place finish at the Diamond League meeting in Oslo.
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Gabby Thomas’ boyfriend revealed her high spirits before the Paris Olympic 200m final, where she seized gold in the absence of rival Shericka Jackson.
However, she bounced back strongly with victories in Stockholm and at the Jamaican Olympic Trials, securing her spot on the team for the Paris Olympics.
Tragically, Jackson’s Olympic dreams were cut short when she sustained an injury at the Gyulai István Memorial in Hungary, forcing her to withdraw from the Games. The setback was a crushing blow for the sprinter, who had been one of the favorites for gold in both the 100m and 200m.
Reflecting on Jackson’s comeback and her own ambitions, Gabby Thomas spoke candidly on NightCap, acknowledging that Jackson’s absence from Paris does not diminish her status as a top-tier competitor.
“She will be back. We will go at it. She will get back,” Thomas said. “It is really hard to be on top for a long time and stay healthy. It is really hard on your body.
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“ It takes a lot of management and planning, and thankfully my coach and I had planned that year perfectly. But I know she will be back, and we cannot stay complacent because that is the sport. It is Jamaica versus the USA.”
Thomas also touched on the strength of Jamaican sprinting, recalling her own experiences of competing against some of the country’s greatest athletes.
“Jamaica has some heavy hitters,” she noted. “For me, unfortunately, coming into professional track, I came in when they were just at their top. I was running against Elaine [Thompson-Herah] and was just in those races. It was very intimidating for me, but you respect them so much.”
As the 2025 season unfolds, the stage is set for another intense battle between Thomas and Jackson.
For Thomas, staying ahead will require more than just talent—it will demand careful planning, mental fortitude, and a determination to remain at the top of her game.
With both sprinters eager to stake their claim as the queen of the 200 meters, fans can expect a thrilling showdown in the months to come.
