Gabby Thomas might be a track sensation, but she just got humbled recently. However, for most people, this was not supposed to happen. Thomas has been touted as the next big thing in the US track and field realm. And surely, her antics inside the ground justify the same. Thomas won a double gold competing at Nassau World Relays this year. She also added a gold and a silver medal to her tally in last year’s World Championships at Budapest. But her biggest moment of reckoning came at the Tokyo Olympics. 

Gabby Thomas bagged a bronze and a silver participating in the 200m and the 4x100m relays four years back. Hoping to continue her sublime form this year too, fans and critics alike hoped to see Thomas at her level best. Unfortunately, things didn’t quite go according to the plans. In fact, Thomas was left behind by a substantial margin in the races not once but twice. 

Gabby Thomas slips twice at the LA Grand Prix

Gabby Thomas has had a forgettable outing at the recently concluded Los Angeles Grand Prix. What was expected to be a sweet and smooth sailing ahead of Paris turned out to be a bitter one for Thomas. While competing in the women’s 200m category, Thomas was outclassed by Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Displaying impeccable speed and precision, McLaughlin-Levrone clinched the top spot by clocking 22.07s. This was also Levrone’s personal best of her career. 

Sadly enough, Gabby Thomas did not even make the top three. She was found wanting at the sixth position clocking a mere 22.68s. Earlier in the competition, Thomas took part in the 100m race, and the outcome there was quite identical as well. Fellow American English Gardner picked up the victory while clocking 11.22s as her season’s best. And once again, Thomas faltered, ending up in the fourth position with a modest timing of 11.42s. 

Well, such lackluster performances will surely be a concern for the athletes ahead of Paris. Especially after Thomas expressed her excitement about her Olympic qualification. She said, “It’ll be my second Olympics, and I feel great, and I feel fit.” Fans too, picked up on her poor run as they lambasted Thomas on social media. 

Netizens hit back at Thomas after forgetful LA outing

Fans had a lot of expectations from Gabby Thomas and her latest performances have surely hampered the sentiment. Thus, without wasting much time, fans on social media went up in arms to criticize Gabby Thomas. 

A fan expressed surprise on social media with the comment, “Gabby Thomas getting dusted was not what I was expecting…” Referring to the surprising defeat of Thomas, they mentioned how McLaughlin-Levrone unexpectedly outperformed Thomas in this event. This defeat has left the track and field community concerned about Thomas’s form.

Critiquing Thomas’ performance one fan added a harsh comment suggesting she ran sluggishly and underperformed significantly compared to fans’ expectations. “Gabby Thomas what was that… running like she’s got a dull diaper”, they added.

Gabby Thomas is a highly qualified sprinter in the track community. But such a significant loss has left her fans concerned. expressing hope that she is not facing any serious issues that might have affected her performance, one user commented, “Honestly, because Gabby Thomas disappointed. I hope she’s ok”.

Such an impressive performance gave rise to concern and discussion in the online world. Reflecting on the major loss of Thomas, one fan speculated she might be fatigued due to back-to-back events. She opined, “I think Gabby Thomas is tired, she’s been racing a lot recently 😪. She might have to take a break before trials”

The disappointing performance of Thomas has raised questions regarding her capacity to challenge Jamaican track sensation Shericka Jackson on the global stage. Expressing skepticism about Thomas’ preparedness, one user mentioned, “Is this how Gabby Thomas plans to challenge Shericka Jackson in Paris …. She raced like she had something stuck up her às*”

Well, it is always important to peak at the right time as an athlete. And while an occasional slip-up might be common, Thomas must be wary of the same. It’s now solely on Thomas how she will manage to pull herself up and fulfil her glory dreams in Paris.