Gabby Thomas, an accomplished athlete and Team Toyota member, made her mark at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 by clinching two medals. But she wants to be remembered not only for her achievements on the track but also for her character.
Thomas expressed her desire to be seen as a role model who exemplifies hard work. She aims to demonstrate excellence and dedication both in her athletic pursuits and in her personal life.
Thomas secured a silver medal in the 4x100m relay and a bronze medal in the individual 200m event in Tokyo. Her impressive performance at the trials, where she broke the Olympic Trials record with a time of 21.61, earned her a spot on Team USA for the 200 meters sprint. Recently having completed her master’s degree in public health from the University of Texas at Austin, Thomas now sets her sights on qualifying for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Joining Team Toyota’s prestigious roster, Thomas seamlessly fits among the remarkable lineup of athletes. She interprets Toyota’s motto, “Let’s Go Places,” as an invitation to tackle any challenges head-on. It signifies embracing the journey, striving to be the best version of oneself, and embarking on seemingly impossible endeavors.
New Dreams
Originally from Northampton, Massachusetts, the 26-year-old Thomas graduated from Harvard in 2019. In addition to her academic accomplishments, she excelled in the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Championships, even setting the collegiate record in the 200m event in 2018. Although Thomas initially aimed to pursue a career in medicine, her athletic success prompted a shift in her aspirations.
She explains, “I’ve discovered new dreams – Olympic dreams. Things have clearly changed, and that’s perfectly fine. I often tell people that your journey will evolve, and it’s okay to take detours.”
Instead of medical school, Thomas pursued a master’s degree in public health with a focus on epidemiology. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, she relocated to Austin to join a training group while simultaneously attending graduate school. While Thomas has developed a passion for track and field, she remains dedicated to her education.
Thomas acknowledges the significance of having diverse support networks. Besides her team, she values the friendship and guidance of her advisor and classmates. Knowing that she has people supporting her in various aspects of her life, beyond just athletics, provides her with a sense of grounding.
Leading by Example
Although balancing the demands of being a master’s student and an athlete presented challenges, Thomas attributes her perseverance to the numerous support systems in her life. With a lifelong involvement in athletics, particularly team sports, she feels that her experiences have equipped her with the necessary skills to collaborate effectively with others. Thomas thrives in team environments, whether it be with Team Toyota or her running teammates in Austin.
She takes on a leadership role within her training group, leading through her actions rather than through loud declarations. Thomas believes in setting an example and embodying the qualities of a leader.
Despite her exceptional achievements, Thomas understands that pursuing ambitious dreams often entails overcoming significant obstacles. As a young African American woman hailing from the Northeast and attending Harvard University, she has faced her fair share of challenges. However, these experiences have helped shape her into the person she is today.
Thomas believes in confronting obstacles head-on, even when they seem insurmountable. She recalls a devastating hamstring injury that kept her out of the World Championships last year. While heartbreaking, Thomas used this setback as an opportunity to showcase her resilience. Returning for the latter half of the season, she achieved remarkable results, exemplifying her unwavering dedication to both her athletic endeavors and personal pursuits.