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QUESTIONS FOR GABBY THOMAS This July in Tokyo the world discovered what Williston track fans have long known: Gabby Thomas ’15 is very, very fast. The New Balancesponsored professional sprinter won Olympic bronze in the 200-meter race and anchored the U.S. women to a silver medal in the 4x100 relay. Along the way, Thomas’ intelligence garnered almost as much attention as her speed. As she blazed through her heats, TV commenters never tired of mentioning her degree in neurobiology and global health from Harvard and the fact that she’s a full-time graduate student in epidemiology at the University of Texas—while competing at the highest level of her sport. A rare double-double, and one Thomas’ Wildcat teachers and coaches remember well from back when she was earning accolades in the classroom and setting records on Galbraith track. Now studying and training in Austin, Texas, where she shares her home with an adorable pug named Rico, Thomas spoke to us about her Olympic experience.
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Do you have a pre-race ritual you always perform? Wake up, drink coffee, meditate, and relax. When I get to the track for competition, it’s the same thing.
What’s your favorite warm-up music right now? Headphones or earbuds? When I listen to warm-up music, it’s usually upbeat like Kanye or Jay-Z. Earbuds.
Do you have a traditional night-before-abig-race go-to meal? Nope! I eat whatever makes me happy and won’t feel too heavy the next day.
Did the Olympics feel completely different from other meets, Diamond League, U.S. Trials? Or is it all the same come race time? The Olympic Trials was the most intense round of races that I’ve ever run—even more competitive than the Olympic rounds. The Olympics was the most fun experience—I made it to Tokyo and the training was done, so all that was left was to compete and leave it all on the track.
