American sprint star and the Olympic medallist, Gabby Thomas is embracing an unconventional path in both life and sport.
Thomas recently teamed up with fashion retailer TJ Maxx and shared insights about her journey via a short video on Instagram. In the clip, she spoke candidly about the challenges and expectations faced by female athletes and how she’s worked to rise above them.
“Society does try to put us in a box. Especially female athletes. But you can’t,” Thomas said. “I’m Gabby Thomas and I’m a world champion sprinter. My journey to being a track athlete has not been conventional by any means. I prioritize my education first. I just do what I love, I don’t care what anybody has to say about it.”
She added that her sense of style reflects confidence and freedom: “When I’m lining up for a race, that’s when I feel like my best self, the most empowered, the most confident. I would say my style now is whatever makes me feel good. Confident, elegant, fun.”
Thomas was last seen at the third leg of the Grand Slam Track series in Philadelphia, where she took a bold step outside her specialty by running the 100m dash. However, she finished fourth in 11.16 seconds and missed out on a podium spot.
She was also scheduled to race at the fourth stop of the series. However, the event was cancelled due to financial constraints. Now, all focus shifts to her build-up for the global stage in Tokyo.
Thomas will be participating in the US trials scheduled from July 30 to August 3 to earn a spot in Team USA ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.