By Sophie Schwarz
Gabby Thomas, Olympic gold medalist in the 200m as well as the 4 by 100 and 4 by 400, is not just a track star. Although many people believe professional athletes spend 24 hours a day focusing on their sport, Thomas mentions to Self.com that she credits her success to “basically running track part-time,” and “having other things in my life that helped fulfill my goals and make me feel fulfilled.” Thomas started her track and field career running for Harvard, where she graduated with a degree in neuroscience with a secondary in global health and health policy. Later, she earned her masters in public health University of Texas, Austin, and mentions potentially eyeing a PhD as well.
Thomas’ role models started at a young age while being raised by her single mother. Watching her mother waitress while pursuing an education in order to get a better job and a better life for herself as well as her children left a mark on Thomas. As Thomas grew up into a hardworking and successful young woman, she started to look up to Allison Felix as her new role model, and even credits Felix as the reason she started running track. Thomas states, “I was always a fan watching her. I loved her grace and she’s so accomplished” (Self.com).
With her education, Thomas spends her free time at Volunteer Healthcare Clinic (VHC) where she volunteers as a director of the clinic’s hypertension-prevention program, ensuring people without healthcare get the treatment and medication they need. Thomas told Olympics.com that she loves “having something completely different to focus on.” She hopes someday in the future she will be able to run a hospital or nonprofit in the health field. Overall, Gabby Thomas is not just an incredible athlete, but a hardworking, motivated, and caring person.