“This is my year. So, if I make the Olympic team, I want to come out with another world lead, another PB, and just show everyone that I am ready to compete,” Gabby Thomas had said at the 2024 Trials in Eugene. It was a bold declaration considering how dominant Jamaica has been in the Women’s 200-meter. Elaine Thompson-Herah won gold in Tokyo 2021 and Rio 2016.

So when people saw Thomas blazing through the tracks and finishing with a world-leading 21.83s, they couldn’t help but reminisce about the USA versus Jamaica rivalry in track and field. Thomas, who has Jamaican roots, finally shared her thoughts on the competitiveness between the two countries. What did she say?

On August 10, the athlete appeared in Nightcap on YouTube and spoke to Shannon Sharpe and Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson. When Sharpe asked her about the rivalry, she stated, “I grew up watching this rivalry. It’s so fun to watch! I mean, Jamaica has some heavy hitters. And for me, unfortunately, like, coming into professional track, I came in and they were at that top. Like I was running against Elaine. You know, I was just in those races. And so, it was very intimidating for me.”

Thomas, who made her Olympic debut in Tokyo, was up against Elaine Thompson, who won the gold then. The American sprinter had to settle for the bronze medal. However, the Jamaican missed the 2024 Paris Olympics because of an Achilles tendon injury.

“But you respect them so much. I think that right now, we are in such an amazing era of American women’s sprinting… It’s a push and pull, bringing women’s sprinting to new heights. It’s really hard to be really fast for a long time and stay healthy. It takes a lot of management, a lot of planning. That’s the sport. It’s Jamaica versus USA. “

Interesting Fact: Gabby Thomas was inspired by the American sprinter Allyson Felix when she witnessed her run in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials. Later, she watched Felix win a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, whereas Jamaican’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce grabbed the silver. The bronze medal was awarded to Carmelita Jeter from the US.

In fact, Jamaica’s big three—Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Shericka Jackson—were missing from the track this year, which made the USA-Jamaica rivalry a bit dull.

Thomas seized the moment to reclaim American dominance, channeling her inner Allyson Felix from the 2012 London Games. Just like her idol, Thomas walked away with three shiny gold medals. But here’s the twist—despite her American flag-waving victories, Thomas takes pride in her Jamaican roots.

Gabby Thomas: Uprooted Jamaican legacy in Paris despite her love for the country!

Gabby Thomas’s grandfather and father are Jamaican. So, she not only loves the country but also has many fans there. She once even revealed that her Jamaican roots helped with her blazing speed. “Everyone knows that I am Jamaican because I do believe that that’s where I get my fast roots from. I’m just not going to sugarcoat it that’s what it is.”

However, being born to an American mother, and growing up in the US, Thomas competes for the US. And she aims to excel in whatever she does. Earlier this year, she set her intentions straight. “I really want a gold medal…” she said after the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix.

But it was not going to be a cakewalk. In 200m, Thomas’ best stood at 21.60, while she had two Jamaicans: Shericka Jackson at 21.41s and Thompson Herah at 21.53s.

Interestingly, these were the same two women who had edged out Thomas for gold earlier. At the 2022 World Championships, Jackson clocked a 21.41 to push Thomas to the silver spot in the 200-meter dash. Also, let’s not forget how during Thomas’ debut Olympics in Tokyo, Thompson-Herah defeated her.

But the tide turned in Paris. From the 1980 Summer Olympics to Tokyo 2021, Jamaicans single-handedly dominated the 200m. But with the big three Jamaican sprinters out, Thomas grabbed the opportunity.

The three Jamaicans have 19 Olympic medals between them. Plus, this was the first time Jamaica did not have a single contender in the 200m finals, which is a first since the 1976 Montreal Games. Thus, it was Gabby Thomas who clinched the gold in their absence. Also, before the Paris Olympics, both Jamaica and the USA were tied for 13 medals each in the women’s 200-meter Olympic category. Although the USA ranked higher in gold, the total count was level. Gabby Thomas and Brittany Brown made a podium finish this time, taking the Americans to a 15 lead.

The Jamaicans are understandably not happy with this outcome. Maurice Wilson, the nation’s technical director for track and field, called it disappointing. “The world has caught up to us,” he said about the USA’s success.

Do you think Jamaican sprinters will be stronger in the next Olympics? Let us know in the comments below.