The Washington Post reported that in addition to being an Olympic bronze medalist, Gabby Thomas also has a neurobiology degree from Harvard. The athlete won the bronze medal in the women’s 200-meter sprint final in Tokyo on August 3.
The champion said that she wasn’t sure if she had won the bronze or was in fourth or fifth place at first. Her time was 21.87 seconds. Elaine Thompson-Herah from Jamaica won the gold medal, and Christine Mboma won the silver medal.
“I was at first in relief, then in shock, then in pure excitement,” Thomas said. “It means a lot, because I really worked for that one. I fought tooth and nail for those last 30 meters. I did my best. I gave my best effort.”
“Just being lined up with girls this caliber, in itself, that mind-set that I’m going for something even greater than I imagined, and now coming here and getting a bronze and just knowing I belong.”
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Thomas thanked her family and coach in an Instagram post.
“Olympic Bronze Medalist ?First Harvard women’s track alum to earn an Olympic medal.,” wrote Thomas. “Wow. If a year ago you would’ve told me that I’d be leaving my first Olympic Games with a medal, I would’ve thought you were crazy. I am SO grateful for this. Even though I’ve spent the last two years preparing, I’m still in shock.
“THANK YOU to my family-who has been there since day one and who loves and supports me no matter my times on the track. Thank you to my coach @baileytonja for taking me in at a pivotal time in my life and guiding me through the ups AND the downs.”
The 24-year-old also thanked her friends and training group. Thomas was only hoping to make the Olympic team during the trials last June. However, after she got the second-fastest time ever at the trials, she decided to go for the gold and plans to try again in the next Olympics.
The Olympic medalist is also getting her master’s degree. The Olympian currently attends the University of Texas in Austin where she is studying public health with a focus on epidemiology. Thomas told the Washington Post that she still needed to register before the deadline for the next semester.
“I have to check on that; I’m hoping they might make an exception,” said Thomas.
Congratulations, Gabby!
