Gabby Thomas is setting her sights on making history at the Paris Olympics, aiming to shatter Florence Griffith-Joyner’s 36-year-old record in the 200 meters. “I admire how Flo-Jo used her appearance to empower herself and others,” Thomas shared with The Undefeated. Inspired by Flo-Jo’s iconic presence, Thomas is determined to follow in her footsteps. But how does she feel about being the second-fastest American ever? “It looms heavily on my mind,” Thomas admits. The weight of this title is a constant reminder that to be number one, she must break the record set by the legendary track superstar.

This quest drives her every move during the 2024 Olympic season. What’s her plan? With a combination of relentless training and strategic planning, Thomas believes she has the formula to achieve the seemingly impossible. In an exclusive interview, she dissects her approach, sharing insights on how she plans to break one of the most revered records in track and field.

Gabby Thomas eager to break Flo-Jo’s record at the Paris Olympics

In an interview with the Guardian on 19 July 2024, Gabby Thomas discussed her strategy for beating Flo-Jo’s age-old records that still stand strong today. She said, “I am very type A and into analysing how I run. I’ll talk to my coach about it over and over again. She tells me to try not to get wrapped up into it all the time.” This is because overthinking slow her down on the track. However, she is eager to improve the drive phase, “we practice (it) over and over again, meticulously. It’s very, very technical but it sets you up for the entire race.” 

Thomas further explained that if she can strengthen that part of her race, she will become hard to beat. Adding, “When you look at Flo-Jo’s 200m world record her second 100m is insane, astronomical in fact. So that’s what you really want to do: your first 100m is setting you up to have an unreal second one.” Florence Griffith Joyner, known as Flo-Jo, is among the top track and field athletes to ever compete in the 100m and 200m categories. In 1988, during the US Olympic trials, she recorded a time of 10.49s in the 100m and 21.34s in the 200m. Her unique style, with long nails and flowing hair, paired with her speed on the track, made her an inspiration for an entire generation.

Just as Flo-Jo inspired Thomas’ generation, Gabby Thomas is a role model for a new era. She has an impressive time of 11.00s in the 100m and 21.60 in the 200m. When compared to Flo-Jo, it’s evident how close they are in time. However, in track and field, every millisecond can make a difference. Nevertheless, Gabby Thomas is fully committed to the 2024 Paris Olympics. She trains 3-6 hours a day, engaging in running, sprinting, strength training, yoga, and Pilates.

Gabby Thomas’ chances of winning are pretty high

To hone her skills, she trains under coach Tonja Buford-Bailey, a former Olympic 400mH hurdler. Thomas trains in Austin, Texas, and the two met at a meet in Monaco. Thomas often speaks about how much she appreciates being part of such a diverse training group. She said, “It was something so special about being in a group of Black women and having a Black coach because I could really see myself in their shoes,” Thomas said. She further added, “I felt like I could do what they were doing.”

The training group consists of the best of the best, including names like 60-meter hurdles world record-holder Tia Jones and Olympic 100-meter hurdler Christina Clemons. Having this sort of support on her side, Thomas is sure to create magic in Paris.