Despite a historic performance at the Paris Olympic Games, where she captured three gold medals, American sprint queen Gabby Thomas remains laser-focused and wary of becoming complacent.
Thomas is well aware of the looming threat posed by her Jamaican rival, Shericka Jackson, who was forced out of the Olympics by an injury but is expected to make a strong return in 2025.
Thomas, who had a phenomenal 2024 season, showcased her versatility by dominating both individual events and relays. From winning the 300m at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix, to clinching gold in the 4x100m relay at the World Athletics Relays, she demonstrated her dominance throughout the year.
Her crowning achievements came at the Paris Olympics, where she won the women’s 200m title and played a crucial role in Team USA’s victories in both the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.
However, Thomas is not resting on her laurels. Speaking on NightCap, she explained that Jackson’s absence from the Paris Games doesn’t mean the Jamaican sprinter won’t be a formidable opponent once she is fully recovered.
“Having Shericka out this year, it is really unfortunate not to have the reigning world champion in the race but it is just part of that give and take,” Thomas said.
“It was not her year this year just like it was not mine last year. She will be back, and we will get back at it. She will be healthy.”
Thomas emphasized that staying injury-free is one of the most challenging aspects of elite sprinting, and she is grateful that her coach and team managed her season carefully. But she knows that once Jackson returns, the competition will be even fiercer.
“It is really hard to run fast and stay healthy, and it is really hard on your body. It takes a lot of management, a lot of planning, and thankfully my coach and I had planned this year perfectly, but I know she will be back.”
With Jackson expected to return stronger in 2025, Thomas is mindful of the fierce rivalry between the USA and Jamaica in sprinting.
“We cannot be complacent. That is the sport. It is Jamaica vs USA.”
While Jackson’s absence made it easier for Thomas to dominate, she acknowledged that the dynamics between Jamaican and American sprinters has always been one of fierce competition.
As someone who came into professional track and field during the height of dominance by Jamaican sprinters like Jackson, Elaine Thompson-Herah, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Thomas admitted she initially felt overwhelmed.
“Jamaica has some heavy hitters, and for me, unfortunately, coming into professional track, I came in when they were just at their top. I was running against Elaine and was just in those races, and it was very intimidating for me, but you respect them so much.”
Despite those early challenges, Thomas is optimistic about the future of American women’s sprinting, which she believes is experiencing a resurgence. The back-and-forth between the two nations has elevated the sport to new heights, and Thomas is excited about the progress being made.
“I think we are in a good era for American women’s sprinting. We are really crashing it again, but it is a give and take and a push and pull, and when one of us smashes a crazy time, the Jamaicans will see that and want to grab it back and vice versa. I think it is pretty cool that we are bringing women’s sprinting to new heights.”
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