Without a doubt, Gabby Thomas created a name for herself at the Olympics in Paris in 2024.
The track standout was a force in the 4×100- and 4×400-meter relays, winning gold in the women’s 200-meter event. Thomas, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Shamier Little, and Alexis Holmes broke the American record on August 10 at Stade de France with a time of 3:15.27.
Gabby Thomas was one of the most talked about athletes at the 2024 Olympics, so why didn’t she attend the Closing Ceremony?
Gabby Thomas was where?
Rather than attending the grand finale, which featured celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Simone Biles, and Billie Eilish having a wild time, Gabby Thomas chose to spend her last days in Paris with her closest companions.
She said, “I spent the night in Paris with my friends and family,” to People Magazine. “Since I was so busy the entire time, I got to spend some time with them when we went out to eat. I got to enjoy winning three medals, and it was really pleasant and invigorating.”
Her path to win the gold medal was made possible by the unwavering support of her loved ones and team. When Gabby Thomas looks back on her hectic summer, she says she will always treasure the memories of having her friends, family, and Team Toyota support her all the way—even before she set foot in Paris for the 2024 Olympics.
In 2024, Gabby Thomas broke the American record in the Paris Olympics.
Gabby Thomas came home after the 2024 Olympics, but this track sensation doesn’t seem to be losing the golden glow of Paris anytime soon.
On Monday, August 12, following her journey from Paris to the United States, Thomas was met with a hero’s welcome and had a special ride waiting for her. “The first thing I saw when I came out here was the Toyota Land Cruiser with my face plastered on it and everyone saw me get in the car, and they were waving and cheering for me at the airport,” she told the magazine People. “And so I mean, I couldn’t have asked for a better homecoming.”
“I’ve had an incredible homecoming experience. I haven’t been back for about a month. Thus, returning with three gold medals and experiencing such amazing support,” she said.
Gabby Thomas Talks About Winning An Olympic Gold Medal In Paris
Gabby Thomas on Instagram
Gabby Thomas talked about winning her first-ever Olympic gold medal on “CBS Mornings” following her return from the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
As the major Games approach, Thomas clarified that she has to “build her confidence.” “I am telling myself that I am already the Olympic champion,” she said. “I wrote down, over and over every morning that I was in Pairs, that I will be the Olympic champion in my notes app over and over.”
Even though she appeared composed and unflappable throughout the tournament, she said that “I was definitely nervous, but half the battle is mental.”
Taking Home the Gold!
Alongside Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Alexis Holmes, and Shamier Little, she won the gold thanks to her “years of practice”.
She stated on “CBS Mornings” that “that was such an exciting part of my experience, and I got to do that alongside my other amazing teammates.” However, she later disclosed that the four women don’t actually train together and must get together only a few days before the Games in order to prepare.
“We don’t train together, so we didn’t know what to expect, but we went out there and made it happen together,” said Thomas. “So when we come together, we have a very short amount of time to come together, and that was in Paris, and what we have to do is build a rapport and trust each other and respect each other as athletes, and that’s the best thing we can do, and that’s how we win gold medals.”
Gabby Thomas Remembers Her Early Years And Her Passion For Running
Gabby Thomas on Instagram
She also mentioned that she has always had a natural flair for running. “In elementary school, I used to race the boys in PE class, and everyone wanted to race me and see if they could beat me because I would always beat the boys,” she stated on “CBS Mornings.”
In addition to her sporting accomplishments, the five-time Olympian graduated from Harvard with a degree in neuroscience and a master’s degree in public health.
