From looking up to her role model to being one herself, Gabby Thomas has come a long way! With her 200m win at the Paris Olympics, she has sealed her spot as one of the elite faces in contemporary sprinting. Plus, what she said post-her victory just burst the rivalry bubble between her and NCAA sensation McKenzie Long.

Post her victory, Gabby said, “I met Mckenzie at Trials and she already has a special place in my heart, at this point I feel like she’s become a little sister to me. I’m so proud of what she’s accomplished and that actually does mean a lot. I love the idea of being a role model to young girls, because I had that when I was growing up.”

Thomas then goes on to mention her sprinting idol, Allyson Felix, as she says, “It really does mean a lot when I think about what @allysonfelix meant to me @SanyaRichiRoss meant to me. I feel like they opened the space for me to be here and I want to be that for young girls.” It is evident that Thomas is now stepping into the shoes of her seniors. Carrying their legacy forward, she wants to be an inspiration for McKenzie and the next generation of athletes, as her seniors were to her.

Thomas and McKenzie might be competitors on the track, but there has hardly ever been any bitterness between the two. In fact, post the Olympic Trials, Thomas had mentioned in an interview with FloTrack, “It’s one of those inspiring stories you hear about and inspires me,” referring to McKenzie Long. And now, she has gone a step above. From being her compatriot to her role model. But do you know who played that part for Gabby herself?

Gabby Thomas’ deep respect for Allyson Felix

Gabby Thomas had once said, “I want to be one of those athletes, you know, I want to be like an Allyson Felix or Elain Thompson-Herahm where they are very consistent in how they’re putting out these amazing performance.” That’s how deeply inspired she has been by these legends. And it’s not just Felix’s records, but her stance about mental health that Thomas truly appreciates.

In a recent conversation with Elle magazine, Thomas hailed the veteran sprinter for coming out and taking a stance. She confessed that their speaking about mental health truly works wonders for younger athletes like Thomas to see a change in real-time. Well, in her decorated career, Felix has attained many feats. But she regrets pushing herself a lot, citing how it was unhealthy beyond a point. And Gabby herself is no stranger to this feeling. While she was at Harvard, she juggled her track and field endeavors alongside her degree in neurobiology. After a certain point, she could feel the burnout. And questioned if she should be continuing another year of her collegiate track career.

Today, both Felix and Thomas agree, that they are people first and then athletes. But, can Thomas’ story and career record inspire McKenzie as substantially? Only time will tell.