“Normally, nothing gets by me. But this one did. I love it.” Gabby Thomas isn’t just known for her speed on the track. She’s sharp and always one step ahead. Talk about her dominant victory in the 200m in Grand Slam Track and a runner-up finish in the 400m. To top it all, she also has a degree from Harvard! So, for someone to actually pull off a surprise on the Olympic medalist? That takes serious skill. Yet, her fiance, Spencer McManes, did exactly that in the most unforgettable way.

What she assumed was a simple staycation in Austin turned into pure magic the moment she stepped onto a rooftop bursting with flowers. But when Spencer caught her completely off-guard with a surprise proposal, it wasn’t just the ring that sparkled. It was the moment. Gabby’s heartwarming reaction and reflections since have been just as golden as her finish-line moments.

Grand Slam Track took to X, highlighting that @realtalkwithtee caught up with @itsgabbyt to discuss everything from the track to the heart. And for once, the topic wasn’t medals or records. It was something far more personal: her surprise engagement. “I was very surprised,” Gabby shared, her voice lighting up with emotion. That sparkle? It wasn’t just from the ring. This was a moment that caught even the sharpest sprinter off guard. But looking back, it may have been easy for her to guess after all. McManes did drop a few hefty clues along the way.

A Valentine’s Day ring-shopping trip to Tiffany’s in New York, a suspiciously timed dinner reservation at their favorite Austin spot, J. Carver’s, and even a Venmo alert from Spencer with a not-so-subtle hint to fix a broken nail. Yet somehow, Gabby missed every single clue. That is, until she walked onto that flower-covered rooftop in Travis Heights and saw her best friend and a hidden photographer waiting with Spencer ready on one knee. “There are so many decisions to make. It’s a lot. But, you know, my fiancé, he supports me so much. And I love him so much.”

All the planning, the secrecy, the subtle signs… it all culminated in a moment that stunned the world-class athlete in the most beautiful way. In true Thomas fashion, even her next chapter feels purposeful, full of love and intention. “He comes to every meet. I know everyone sees him around all the time. So not much will change. We’ll just, you know, be committed and in love. And it’s very—this is a very good feeling. I love it.” For someone who dominates both in spikes and in spirit, this engagement is less a pause and more a new starting line.

Gabby Thomas’ whirlwind engagement and career highs

Though Gabby Thomas is known for leaving the world breathless on the track, it was Spencer McManes who stole the spotlight this time. Love is racing ahead for track star as wedding bells are officially in the air! The Olympic sprinter admitted being left stunned as her longtime partner, Spencer McManes, dropped to one knee. “Normally he’s very bad with surprises—and this was the one surprise I think I’ve ever witnessed him keep.” From elite sprinter to glowing fiancé, Thomas’ 2025 is shaping up to be unforgettable.

Their love story is built on more than shared dinners and date nights. it’s about grit, growth, and goofy pizza nights. McManes, a former Yale football player and now founder of non-alcoholic seltzer brand Kaviva, has long been Gabby’s behind-the-scenes MVP. He was there in Paris, cheering her on to Olympic greatness. And even in the little things, like Venmoing her $50 to fix a broken nail before the proposal, he’s been quietly, consistently supportive. With such a supportive partner by her side, Thomas was bound to flourish on track and so she did!

The 28-year-old dominated the Grand Slam Track in Kingston. Delivering a 200m clocking 22.62s win and a set a new personal best time of 49.14 in the 400m. Holding off Olympic champ Marileidy Paulino and coming just behind Salwa Eid Naser’s world-leading 48.67. Gabby clinched 20 points to secure the Grand Slam title in her group and walked away $100K richer. From the roars of Kingston to the quiet of a rooftop in Austin, Gabby Thomas is proving she’s unstoppable on the track and in life.