Gabby Thomas said, “I can go on and on about my mom and her support.” The Harvardian, fresh off snagging three gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, once faced a rough patch where she nearly gave up on her Olympic dreams. The only thing that kept the American sprinter from giving up on her Olympic dreams was her mother, Jennifer Randall, who wouldn’t let her throw in the sponge!

Gabby Thomas is one of those rare individuals who shines both on the field and in the classroom. Yet behind her remarkable achievements is the support of her mother. Having earned a master’s degree in public health with a concentration in epidemiology, Gabby’s mother now dreams of her wunderkind daughter pursuing a PhD next. At 27, Thomas exemplifies the “how-do-they-do-it-all” phenomenon.  Throughout this incredible journey, it was her mother who inspired and guided her, helping her navigate this impressive path. But how did she balance all this?

On August 14th, Gabby Thomas appeared on The Daily Show, where host Desi Lydic asked her about the pivotal role her mother has played in her journey. Gabby responded, “My mom has believed in me since I’ve been born. I grew up with a single mom and my twin brother. She has done everything for us—from starting as a waitress to earning an endowed chair professorship at the University of Michigan. I’ve watched her work tirelessly to make her dreams come true. She has always instilled in me the value of education, pursuing your dreams, and giving back to the community.”

When Gabby Thomas was just 10 years old, her mother, Jennifer Randall, made a significant move for the family, relocating to Massachusetts so she could complete her PhD while teaching. Gabby closely observed these bold decisions, which deeply influenced her own journey into athletics and adulthood. Gabby’s mother always stressed the significance of education and being on track. “Education was a way to level the playing field.”

But during the interview, Gabby noted. “She was the best role model I could have ever hoped for. I’ll never forget when I was around nine or ten. She told me I had a light within me and was destined to shine brightly and share that light with the world. That conversation and her constant validation guided me to where I am today.” Did you know it was Gabby’s mom who nudged her toward track and field, completely changing the course of her life from what she originally planned?

Gabby Thomas’s success is the blossoming fruit of her mother’s vision for her Olympic greatness!

Gabby Thomas’s journey captured the hearts of many when she secured a third-place finish in the 200-meter heat at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. While some would have been satisfied with making it to the podium, Thomas aimed higher. Three years later, at Stade de France, she showcased her talent by winning gold in the 200m race and also triumphing in both the 4x100m relay and the 4x400m relay events, marking a memorable achievement.

In an interview with the LA28 project, which is all about the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, Thomas looked back on how her mom played a big part in her journey. “My mom forced me into it, ” she jokingly shared on an episode of 28 Seconds with LA28. Even though she initially loved playing softball, Thomas’s mother, Jennifer Randall, saw the potential for her in track and field. Randall’s support and her own inspiring story of overcoming childhood and pursuing a Ph.D. while raising two kids served as a source of motivation for Gabby.

Navigating the difficult decision between quitting her master’s program in epidemiology and leaving the track, Thomas chose to pursue both by aligning with a top-tier track program that complemented her educational goals. Her dedication has paid off, propelling her toward the Los Angeles 2028 Games. At just 27, Gabrielle Lisa Thomas embodies the limitless possibilities that come with perseverance. Inspired by Jennifer Randall, how do you feel about her balancing a rigorous academic life with an elite athletic career? Share your thoughts in the comments below!