Gabby Thomas: Rebounding from Injury with New Mindset

Gabby Thomas, an Olympic gold medalist known for her reflective nature, chose to view herself as ‘healing’ rather than ‘injured’ during her struggles with an aching Achilles tendon in 2025. This shift in perspective helped her turn an otherwise frustrating year into a successful 2026. Thomas explained her mindset by stating, ‘You are setting up to come back even better. Every time I’ve had an injury, I’ve come back stronger and better and faster.’

Now 29, Thomas looks ahead to repeating her 200-meter win at the Paris Games in the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Despite missing this weekend’s U.S. track championships in New York, Thomas assures her absence is not due to injury. It simply did not align with her Diamond League commitments. Her performance remains strong, with five sub-22 second runs this season, adding up to 20 in her career, more than any other woman at this distance.

Thomas traveled to New York to support her fellow teammates who are sponsored by Toyota. Her upcoming events include the World Athletics Ultimate Championships with potential $150,000 prizes, and races in Athlos, a women’s league founded by Alexis Ohanian. Athlos will host their second meet of the year in October at New York’s Randall’s Island.

In addition to her athletic endeavors, Thomas is planning a wedding after getting engaged to Spencer McManes, a former Yale quarterback. Despite detailing a busy schedule, she notes, ‘You make time for what you care about.’

Thomas also envisions a future in women’s health, a field she feels needs improvement. With degrees in neurobiology and public health, she aims to bridge gaps in women’s healthcare. She expresses a willingness to further her education to achieve these goals.

Throughout 2025, Thomas spoke out against online harassment of female athletes by bettors. This week, she took to social media to reaffirm her stance, stating the harassment comes solely from a certain demographic.

Off the track, Thomas values her identity beyond athletics. Reading works by Bell Hooks has reinforced the importance of focusing on who she is beyond her sport. ‘It’s so easy to get involved with track and to make that your identity,’ she says.

In other track news, World 200-meter champion Noah Lyles showed his prowess, winning his heat in 20.51 seconds after securing gold in the 100 meters previously. Brandon Hicklin recorded the fastest time at 20.43 seconds. Meanwhile, current world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden led the women’s 200 race with 22.50 seconds in the opening round.

Both finals are scheduled for Sunday.