Gabby Thomas graced her second event as honorary starter at the Austin Marathon.
Olympic champion Gabby Thomas has once again embraced the role of honorary starter, this time at the Austin Marathon.
The three-time Olympic gold medalist had the prestigious task of flagging off the participants, marking her second consecutive marathon in such a capacity.
This latest honor follows her grand marshalling role at the 2024 New York Marathon, her first experience leading such an event.
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Reflecting on the moment, Thomas shared her excitement and appreciation for the experience while also adding a humorous touch.
“Today I had the honor of starting the marathon and sending off the runners with some motivational thoughts. And I mean, this has been incredible. I’m having so much fun, and it’s definitely a little chilly this morning, but I mean, watching these runners do their thing is so much fun,” Thomas said via FloTrack.
Embracing her newfound role in the marathon community, Thomas jokingly added, “I am a pro now,” acknowledging her second time serving in this capacity.
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Coach Duncan Ayiemba revealed the behind-the-scenes challenges, including unexpected changes in Ferdinand Omanyala’s support team, that led to his disappointing performance in Budapest.
The sprinting sensation also reflected on the distinct atmospheres of both marathons, stating, “It really is so much fun. The running community is so special. In New York, it was awesome—it felt like a party. Here in Austin, obviously full of great runners, the energy and the vibe is just so great.”
Thomas’ participation in these prestigious marathons comes as she prepares for an action-packed season following her triumphant showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 28-year old has signed up for the Grand Slam Track series, where she is expected to compete against top-tier talent.
Additionally, she has set her sights on the 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships, aiming to add more accolades to her already illustrious career and solidify her dominance in the women’s sprinting scene.
With her growing presence in both sprinting and marathon communities, Thomas continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of athletics.