Harvard Alumna Gabby Thomas Wins Gold in 100m at 2024 Olympics
With her victory in Paris 2024, Thomas became the first Harvard alum to win an Olympic track and field gold in over 100 years. “I worked very hard, and everything went according to plan,” the 27-year-old runner proudly stated. “This has been a six-year plan since moving to Texas. I worked hard every day and deserved this success, but it still feels surreal and indescribable.”
Gabby Thomas’ story is a remarkable blend of athletic prowess and academic dedication, serving as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and scholars alike.Balancing professional athletics with education has always been a priority for Thomas. Inspired by her single mother, who worked as a waitress while attending classes to become a professor, Thomas pursued academic excellence alongside her sporting career.
Accepted into Harvard, she studied neurobiology and global health. Thomas transitioned to professionaAmerican runner Gabby Thomas made history by winning the women’s 200m final at the 2024 Olympics, becoming the first Harvard alum to secure an Olympic gold in track and field in over a century.
After winning eight out of nine 200m races in 2024, Thomas continued her winning streak at Stade de France on August 6. Facing tough competition from Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia and Dina Asher-Smith of the UK, Thomas pulled ahead in the latter half of the race. The 27-year-old sprinter surged in the final 80 meters, finishing first with a time of 21.83 seconds.
Julien Alfred, the 2024 Paris Olympic women’s 100m champion, finished second at 22.08 seconds, missing her dream of winning two Olympic golds. Brittany Brown of the USA claimed bronze with a time of 22.20 seconds.
“I don’t remember anything about the race,” Thomas admitted. “It’s the strangest feeling when you’re so focused on competing and channel all your energy towards the finish line. In my mind, I was the only one in the race today.”
Thomas’ gold medal in Paris is a significant upgrade from her previous Olympic achievements, where she won a silver in the 4x100m relay and a bronze in the 200m at Tokyo 2020. She also helped the USA secure their first women’s 800m gold since Allyson Felix at London 2012. This victory marks the fifth track and field gold for the USA in Paris 2024, and the second gold at Stade de France that day, following Cole Hocker’s win in the men’s 1500m.
Academic and Athletic Excellence
l athletics after her junior year but still graduated with a neurobiology degree in 2019. In May 2023, she completed a master’s degree in
epidemiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.
Thomas’ interest in neurobiology was fueled by her brothers, Desi and Andrew. Desi, who has autism, and Andrew, her twin, underwent neurofeedback therapy for ADHD during high school. This personal connection drove her academic pursuits.
While at Harvard, Thomas won 22 titles across six events, setting school and Ivy League records in the 100m, 200m, and indoor 60m. She signed with New Balance and turned professional in October 2018.
