Gabby Thomas, America’s versatile 200m specialist, has just shown why she’s a force to be reckoned with, claiming three gold medals and proving her dominance on the track. Her coach, Tonja Buford-Bailey, had hinted to Runner’s World that Gabby was gunning for a triple-gold sweep this time. But when she crossed the finish line in the 200m at 22.68 seconds, landing in sixth place, fans held their breath. Then, in true Gabby fashion, she took to X, calmly assuring everyone, “Everything is going according to plan.” And, true to her word, she came back stronger, clinching victory. Gabby is not just competing—she’s stepping into the role of track and field’s new icon. 

As comparisons with Sha’Carri Richardson swirl, Gabby is carving out her own space, showing that talent, grace, and resilience can coexist. Her recent triumphs, both on and off the track, have sparked a surge of admiration, positioning her as the athlete who’s not just winning races but winning hearts, too. Reflecting on her performance, Gabby confidently said she’s “pretty satisfied,” giving fans another reason to see her as a contender for Sha’Carri Richardson’s crown. Gabby calls herself a “perfectionist,” but the question remains: is she the right choice to take over as the sport’s leading star?

Gabby Thomas’s outstanding performance has made her a role model for aspiring gymnasts

Recently, a track and field fan page named ‘😀’ wrote on X, “I will be requesting Gabby Thomas be used instead of Sha’Carri under EVERY sponsored and promotional post, for she is now the face of American Track & Field. This is who your daughters need to be looking up to!” with a picture of Gabby holding the USA national flag and the caption, “TRIPLE GOLD, first woman to win triple gold medals in the same Olympics game in track and field- the first since Allyson Felix in 2012″—remembering how she has performed during the whole Paris Olympics. Thomas claimed this win was an unbelieving feeling and stressed that she fell short of how she would describe her feelings.

However, there is no denying that there weren’t many athletes in the Olympics who won big, like Gabby Thomas. This 27-year-old Gabrielle Thomas completed a clean sweep of the Athletics World Championships in under five days by taking gold in all three form sprints: 200 meters, 4×100-meter relay, and 4×400-meter relay. Three days later, in the 4×100, she ran the third leg, passing to Sha’Carri Richardson, who ensured victory for the U.S.

Then, in the 4×400 on Saturday, Thomas split 49.30 to help Americans set their national record. Reflecting on her recent achievements, this strong-headed winner expressed her feelings to the Toyota News Room: “I’m really excited, this one definitely means a lot to me,” indicating her struggling life. Therein lies the story of inner battles and resilience behind her triumph at the Paris Olympics, which made her connect to her fans, and they feel Gabby is more relatable to their lives. 

She struggled with imposter syndrome but continued her hard work with so much dedication. Her story becomes a reminder for all that success can coexist with self-doubt. As a neurobiology student, she said in an interview with Sky Sports, ‘I haven’t always been a star.” So, this huge success at the Paris Olympics seemed impossible for her. This is the reason why fans are requesting the authority to give more chances to Gabby instead of Richardson. However, some react differently, as they think both Richardson and Gabby are the true heroes of the USA Sprinting team.

Fans reacted to Thomas being touted as the new face of American Track & Field 

After a fan posted on X saying that Gabby could be the new inspiration for young track and field athletes, other fans shared their thoughts on this. One fan agreed with the fact and commented under the post on X, “I agree. Gabby shows that young ladies can aspire to becoming brilliant professionals with a top class education as well as being an athlete. Many athletes tend to be one dimensional role models and may present themselves as one dimensional,” concentrating on their ability to balance both academic excellence and athletic success. This fan strongly appreciates her appearance as a role model for generations in track and field.

But another fan disagreed with the main post. It said we could look up to both of them, commenting, “Nothing wrong with looking up to either. Gabby is a wonderful example for the next generation and was amazing in Paris.” This fan expresses that it’s perfectly permissible to like Gabby Thomas and other athletes, such as Sha’Carri Richardson. They appreciate Gabby’s righteous example, charm, and performances in the Paris Olympics, claiming she is a role model for the next generation.

Another admirer highlighted the strength of both Sha’Carri and Gabby and wrote, “Both beautiful black women can be looked up to? Sha’ Carri who’s gone through tremendous loss fell and built herself back up  and gabby is gabby educated accomplished and still making history both women are great role models,”  showcasing respect for both athletes. This fan also points out Sha’Carri’s struggles and how her resilience helped her overcome personal challenges and bounce back stronger. Then, the fan shifted focus to Gabby and praised her academic excellence and ongoing success, which made everyone think that they were both outstanding.

Another fan shared the thought on this and commented, “That’s not how it works… if Gabby doesn’t have the endorsement or sponsorship then you won’t be seeing her,” pointing out the reality of the sports world, where visibility is tied to all those sponsorships and endorsements. It indicates that no matter how big Gabby’s achievements are, the endorsements keep her in the public eye.

An admirer appreciates both athletics, saying, “Both women are great. Gabby managed to compete and receive 3 gold medals. Congrats ladies!!!” and celebrating their achievements verbally. This fan is toasting the success of both Gabby Thomas and Sha’Carri Richardson. With her fabulous three gold medals, the fan said how Gabby had become a true inspiration, suggesting that both deserve acknowledgment and admiration for their results. Fans continue to celebrate Gabby Thomas’s amazing charm and increasingly effective performance as a role model. Her career on the track alone has a bright future.