Olympic sprinter Gabby Thomas is sprinting forward. With just months left until his 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the New Balance athlete is in the midst of preparations.
“By the time you compete in the Olympics, you want to be at your best physically, mentally and emotionally. Everything we're doing is preparing us for that moment. ,” Thomas said on stage at the Warehouse during SXSW. “The difference between a gold medal and a silver medal is 1 centimeter, so even the slightest difference is unacceptable.” The conversation was moderated by Michael Atmore, Chief Brand Officer of Fairchild Media Group and Editorial Director of Footwear News.
The 27-year-old track star has already won four Olympic and world championship medals. This summer she's aiming for her gold medal in Paris.
USA Track & Field, the national governing body for the sport of running, noted that she is the second-fastest 200-meter runner in U.S. history, behind Florence Griffith Joyner. “We are excited about the possibility of Gabby joining another Olympic team and look forward to what 2024 has in store,” a USATF spokesperson previously told WWD sister publication FN. Ta.
In 2021, at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon, Thomas won the women's 200 meter final in 21.61 seconds. Her time was the third fastest ever. She said the only other person who had a faster time was the late Flojo.
Unlike other sports, track and field can be lonely, and the pressure is often high as years of training can be over in an instant.
“This is an individual sport. You're just making calls. You don't have teammates to rely on… A big part of professional sports is dealing with stress. If you can't do that, you can't compete at this level. . For me, it's about keeping everything in perspective,” Thomas said. “I love what I do. I can only control what I can control. Knowing that brings me peace and understanding.”
In addition to keeping perspective, Thomas said having a purpose is key to dealing with pressure.
“It's not just about winning races. It's about your own personal growth, inspiring the next generation of athletes, and making a difference. If you have a broader view of your why, you'll win medals.” You won’t be so tied down to the pressure of doing it.”
Additionally, having a life and interests outside of sports was also important to Thomas.
Thomas earned a bachelor's degree in neurobiology and global health from Harvard University and a master's degree in epidemiology and health care management from the University of Texas Health Science Center last year.
“Running is a lot. It can be very unhealthy to put everything on yourself and rely on it and only think about your sport and competition all the time. You don't have to worry about other parts of your identity. Pour is important,” she said.
But she has no plans to retire anytime soon. Thomas said she plans to keep running until she doesn't want to run anymore. After Paris, the 2028 Los Angeles Games are just around the corner.
