GABBY THOMAS
Country: United States
Born: 7 DEC. 1996
Height: 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
Gabrielle Lisa Thomas, better known as Gabby Thomas, is a name that has become synonymous with excellence in track and field. From setting records in her collegiate years to dominating the Olympic stage, she has firmly established herself as one of the fastest women in the world.
But Gabby’s story is more than just about speed, it’s about intellect and inspiration. She also tops our ranking of the Ten Most Beautiful Black Female Athletes.
Let´s discover why Gabby Thomas stands out as the best, from her early life and education to her remarkable track career and international victories.
- What Were Gabby Thomas’ Early Years Like?
- Did Gabby Thomas Really Attend Harvard University?
- What Has Gabby Thomas Achieved in Sports? A Year-by-Year Breakdown
- 2015–2018: Dominating College Track at Harvard
- 2019: Transition to Professional Track
- 2020–2021: Olympic Dreams and Overcoming Adversity
- Tokyo 2020 Olympics: The World Takes Notice
- 2022: A Season of Setbacks and Recovery
- Bouncing Back in 2023: A Silver Medal at the World Championships
- 2024: The Year of Olympic Glory
- What Are Gabby Thomas' Personal Bests?
- What Are Gabby Thomas’ Major Titles and Medals?
- Can Sleep Really Boost Performance? Gabby Thomas Thinks So
- Gabby Thomas in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
- Who Is Gabby Thomas' Boyfriend?
What Were Gabby Thomas’ Early Years Like?
Born on December 7, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia, Gabby Thomas grew up in a supportive, academic household. Her mother, Jennifer Randall, is a professor who moved the family to Northampton, Massachusetts in 2007. Gabby’s father, Desmond Thomas, hails from Jamaica, adding a rich cultural heritage to her identity. Raised alongside her twin brother, Gabby’s family placed a strong emphasis on education, ambition, and hard work, values that would shape her career both on and off the track.
In her early years, Gabby was a multi-sport athlete. She played soccer and softball before focusing on track and field at the Williston Northampton School. It wasn’t long before her talent on the track shone through.
Gabby’s passion for track ignited when she watched Allyson Felix at the 2008 US Olympic Trials. Inspired by her hero, she laced up her own running shoes, and years later, found herself competing alongside Felix on Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics. Thomas recalls watching Allyson Felix run as her first memory of the sport.
Gabby quickly became a star at her high school, breaking records and earning MVP honors every year. With a growing reputation in the sport, she was destined for bigger things.
Did Gabby Thomas Really Attend Harvard University?
Gabby Thomas’ decision to attend Harvard University perfectly reflects her dedication not just to athletics but also to education. While many athletes might focus solely on sports, While many athletes might focus solely on sports, Thomas concentrated in Neuroscience with a secondary in Global Health and Health Policy, an incredibly demanding academic road. Balancing the life of an Ivy League student and a world-class sprinter is no small feat, but Gabby thrived.
During her time at Harvard, Gabby broke multiple records and won an astounding 22 Ivy League conference titles in events ranging from the 60 meters to the 200 meters. She set new benchmarks for the 100 meters, 200 meters, and the indoor 60 meters, forever etching her name into the Ivy League history books.
Thomas’ intellectual prowess didn’t stop at Harvard. In 2023, she completed a Master of Public Health degree in Epidemiology from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Her commitment to education, even while competing on the world stage, sets her apart as a truly unique athlete.
What Has Gabby Thomas Achieved in Sports? A Year-by-Year Breakdown
2015–2018: Dominating College Track at Harvard
Harvard University was where Gabby’s sprinting career truly took off. In just three years, she established herself as one of the fastest Ivy League athletes in history. Here’s a snapshot of her collegiate achievements:
- 22 Ivy League Titles: Across six different events, Gabby won 22 conference titles. She dominated the sprints (100m, 200m) and indoor events, breaking records that would stand for years.
- Record-Setting Performances: Gabby set school and Ivy League records in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and indoor 60 meters.
- Turning Pro: In October 2018, after completing her third year of collegiate competition, Gabby signed a professional contract with New Balance, forgoing her final year of eligibility at Harvard.
2019: Transition to Professional Track
After turning pro, Gabby moved to Austin, Texas, to train under the guidance of Tonja Buford-Bailey, a renowned coach and former Olympic medalist. The transition from collegiate to professional track wasn’t easy, but Gabby quickly adapted, continuing to post strong performances. Although 2019 wasn’t packed with major global medals, it was a critical year of development as Gabby fine-tuned her skills and prepared to take on the world stage.
2020–2021: Olympic Dreams and Overcoming Adversity
The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the 2020 Olympic Games, but Gabby made the most of the extra preparation time. However, 2021 brought a health scare that threatened to derail her career:
- Health Scare: In early 2021, an MRI revealed a tumor on her liver, but fortunately, it was benign. This challenge tested her mental and emotional resilience, but Gabby bounced back stronger than ever.
- Historic Time at U.S. Olympic Trials: Gabby shocked the world by running a 21.61-second 200m at the U.S. Olympic Trials in June 2021. This time was the second-fastest 200m ever recorded by a woman, behind only Florence Griffith-Joyner’s world record.
Tokyo 2020 Olympics: The World Takes Notice
Gabby Thomas’ first taste of Olympic glory came at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 due to the pandemic). Here, she proved that she could compete with the very best in the world. In the 200-meter final, Gabby ran a stunning race to claim the bronze medal, clocking in at 21.87 seconds. She finished behind Elaine Thompson-Herah and Christine Mboma, both sprinting legends in their own right.
But her success in Tokyo didn’t stop there. Gabby was also part of the U.S. 4×100-meter relay team, which won a silver medal. Her anchor leg performance was pivotal in securing the team’s place on the podium, and Gabby left the Games with her first two Olympic medals.
2022: A Season of Setbacks and Recovery
While Gabby had a phenomenal start to 2022, the year ultimately became a lesson in perseverance.
- Texas Relays: In March, she opened her outdoor season by running the fastest-ever season opener for a 200m female sprinter, clocking 21.69 seconds (wind-assisted).
- Injury Strikes: Unfortunately, just weeks before the U.S. Championships, Gabby suffered a hamstring injury that kept her from qualifying for the 2022 World Championships. She finished 8th in the 200m final at the U.S. Trials.
Bouncing Back in 2023: A Silver Medal at the World Championships
After a hamstring injury dashed her hopes of competing at the 2022 World Championships, Gabby bounced back in a big way. 2023 was a defining year, it marked Gabby’s return to top form, as she delivered one of her most successful seasons to date:
- April 2023: Gabby set a personal best in the 400m with a time of 49.68 seconds at the Texas Invitational, showcasing her versatility across multiple sprinting distances.
- U.S. National Champion in 200m: On July 9, Gabby reclaimed her dominance in the 200m, becoming the U.S. National Champion.
World Athletics Championships in Budapest:
- Silver in 200m: Gabby ran 21.81 seconds to claim silver, finishing behind Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson. This performance was one of the highlights of her career, confirming her place among the world’s best.
- Gold in 4x100m Relay: Gabby, along with teammates Tamari Davis, Twanisha Terry, and Sha’Carri Richardson, won gold in the 4x100m relay, setting a championship record with a time of 41.03 seconds.
2024: The Year of Olympic Glory
The 2024 Paris Olympics became the pinnacle of Gabby’s career, solidifying her as one of the greatest sprinters of her generation. She achieved an extraordinary feat, winning not one but three gold medals:
- Gold in the 200 meters, with a time of 21.83 seconds. This victory marked her first individual Olympic gold and was a crowning moment in her career.
- Gold in the 4×100-meter relay, as part of a dominant U.S. team.
- Gold in the 4×400-meter relay, where the team ran an American record and the second-fastest time in history.
With three gold medals at the Paris Olympics, Gabby Thomas became one of the most decorated athletes of the Games, achieving a level of success that only a handful of sprinters ever reach.
What Are Gabby Thomas’ Personal Bests?
Gabby Thomas has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in track and field. Her personal bests across multiple events highlight her versatility and raw speed. Whether it’s the explosive power needed for the 100 meters or the endurance and strategy for the 400 meters, Gabby has proven that she’s not just a sprinter but a true all-around athlete. Let’s take a look at her top performances as of 2024:
- 100 meters: 11.00 seconds (Eugene, 2021)
- 200 meters: 21.60 seconds (Eugene, 2023)
- 400 meters: 49.68 seconds (Austin, 2023)
- Long Jump: 6.27 meters (Palo Alto, 2017)
What Are Gabby Thomas’ Major Titles and Medals?
Gabby Thomas has consistently shined on the world’s biggest stages, collecting an impressive array of medals in Olympic Games, World Championships, and other global competitions. Her ability to deliver in high-pressure moments has earned her a spot among the best sprinters in the world. Here’s a breakdown of her major titles and medals:
Olympic Games:
- Gold – 2024 Paris, 200m
- Gold – 2024 Paris, 4x100m Relay
- Gold – 2024 Paris, 4x400m Relay
- Silver – 2020 Tokyo, 4x100m Relay
- Bronze – 2020 Tokyo, 200m
World Athletics Championships:
- Gold – 2023 Budapest, 4x100m Relay
- Silver – 2023 Budapest, 200m
World Relays:
- Gold – 2024 Nassau, 4x100m Relay
- Gold – 2024 Nassau, 4x400m Relay
Can Sleep Really Boost Performance? Gabby Thomas Thinks So
Gabby Thomas wrote a groundbreaking paper as part of her master’s degree from the University of Texas, addressing the racial disparities in sleep disorders, particularly affecting Black Americans. Her research highlights how lifestyle stressors disproportionately impact sleep quality in this community and underscores sleep as a public health crisis. By linking inadequate rest to chronic health conditions, Gabby’s work explores sleep epidemiology from both an individual and societal perspective.
For Gabby, sleep isn’t just an afterthought, it’s a critical aspect of her training, as essential as nutrition or physical exercise. Her nightly routine starts around 8 p.m., where she incorporates calming rituals like drinking magnesium tea, reading, meditating, and journaling. This approach has allowed her to stay at the top of her game, proving that quality sleep directly correlates with her athletic performance.
Gabby’s advocacy goes beyond personal habits; she’s also the face of the Seize the Night & Day campaign, which promotes the importance of sleep for health and well-being. She learned early in her career that without proper rest, even the best nutrition or training can’t optimize performance. This sleep-first mentality has been pivotal in her rise to Olympic success.
As Gabby herself said, “I wouldn’t be where I am today as a gold medalist if I hadn’t learned the importance of sleep.” Now, she uses her platform to raise awareness, showing that sleep is just as critical as any workout in achieving greatness, not only for athletes but for everyone.
Gabby Thomas in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
Gabby Thomas recently took center stage in a stunning photoshoot for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2025 issue, shot by Ben Horton in the sunny backdrop of Boca Raton, Florida. This photoshoot kicks off an exciting season for SI Swimsuit, which is featuring a great lineup of female athletes. From Olympic medalists to world champions, Gabby is part of a group that includes standout names like Suni Lee, Nelly Korda, and Eileen Gu, each one shaping the future of sports and breaking barriers along the way.
Who Is Gabby Thomas’ Boyfriend?
Gabby Thomas and Spencer McManes have been dating since October 2022, and their bond has been strong both on and off the track. McManes, a former football quarterback at Yale University, and Thomas, an Olympic gold medalist, share more than just athletic backgrounds—they both attended Ivy League schools, with Thomas graduating from Harvard and McManes from Yale. The couple met in Austin, Texas, where they both moved after college. Thomas was there to train for her track career while pursuing her master’s degree in public health, and McManes transitioned into his professional career.
McManes has been a constant source of support for Thomas throughout her journey, including cheering her on from the stands at the Paris 2024 Olympics when she won gold in the 200m final. The moment she crossed the finish line, Gabby ran straight into his arms to celebrate the victory they’d been working toward together. The couple frequently shares special moments on social media, with McManes appearing in posts ranging from graduation celebrations to their trips with family.
In addition to his background in football and corporate work, McManes is also an entrepreneur. In 2023, he launched Kaviva, a non-alcoholic kava seltzer brand, showcasing his drive beyond athletics. The couple’s strong relationship has been evident through McManes’ unwavering support during Gabby’s Olympic journey, and their shared milestones reflect a deep connection.
