How did Gabby Thomas prepare for the Tokyo Olympics?

Gabby Thomas moved to Texas to train with other Olympians, despite feeling initially uncomfortable and less talented than her peers. She worked hard to improve her performance and credited the tough training in Texas for her eventual Olympic success.

What challenges did Gabby Thomas face in her pursuit of the Tokyo Olympics?

Gabby Thomas struggled with self-doubt when she first moved to Texas, feeling that she was not as talented as the other Olympians she was training with. However, this motivated her to push her limits and develop the confidence needed to compete at the highest level.

What is Gabby Thomas' current status?

Gabby Thomas is currently focused on recovering from a prolonged Achilles injury and hopes to make a strong comeback in the 2026 track season.

Home / Sports / Olympian Gabby Thomas Overcomes Doubts, Trains with the Best to Reach Tokyo

Olympian Gabby Thomas Overcomes Doubts, Trains with the Best to Reach Tokyo

13 Nov

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Summary

Gabby Thomas moved to Texas to train with Olympians for Tokyo 2020
Struggled initially, felt less talented than peers, but worked hard to improve
Credited Texas training for her Olympic success

Olympian Gabby Thomas Overcomes Doubts, Trains with the Best to Reach Tokyo

In 2025, American athlete Gabby Thomas reflected on the difficult period she faced while pursuing her dream of competing at the Tokyo Olympics. Back in 2018, Thomas had turned professional, forgoing her final year of NCAA eligibility. Over the next few years, she made steady improvements to her performance, but in 2020, she decided to take a leap of faith and move to Texas to train alongside other Olympians with the goal of making the US team for the Tokyo Games.

Thomas admitted that she was extremely uncomfortable with the move, as she felt she was not as talented as her training peers. However, this motivated her to work harder and develop the self-belief needed to compete at the highest level. "One, I wasn't as talented as everyone else, so we'll start there. Track is subjective. So, you look at the times, and my times were not as fast as everyone else, and where I was at that point was not good enough for me to get into the Olympic team," she said.