3x Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas’ track career did not follow the usual trajectory. She was far from being a wonder kid back in her high school days. Though she used to run in high school, she never belonged to the pack of standout athletes. In fact, she was largely overlooked by the track schools and track programs. But the scenario changed when she went on to pursue her undergraduate degree in neurobiology at Harvard University.

The athletic self of Gabby started making waves, breaking the collegiate 200-meter record and winning the 2018 NCAA indoor title. Foregoing her final year of college eligibility, she then turned pro signing with New Balance in the same year. And look where it has brought her! She returns from Paris as a 3x Olympic champion (200m, the 4x100m relay, and the 4x400m relay), only the fifth American woman to have done that. And Gabby can not stop marveling at the reception she got after returning home, a stark contrast to her low-key initial years.

In an exclusive with People, Gabby did not hide her excitement about the ambiance as she returned on August 12, the first time in a month. “The first thing I saw when I came out here was the Toyota Land Cruiser with my face plastered on it and everyone saw me get in the car and they were waving and cheering for me at the airport. And so I mean, I couldn’t have asked for a better homecoming,” Gabby said.

An excited Gabby later posted the picture of the special Toyota car on her Instagram, writing, “My ride for tonight. Thank you @teamtoyota.” Evidently, home means a lot to Gabby. So is her family. So, despite sitting at the pinnacle of success, Gabby took time out for those who have been there for her through thick and thin. So, she did something unconventional to make them feel special.

Being one of the athletes to win the most number of gold medals, Gabby was slated to be a star in the closing ceremony of the Olympics. But for the 27-year-old, who remained hidden from public eyes for long, staying away from the limelight probably seemed more desirable. So when the likes of Tom Cruise, Simone Biles, and Billie Eilish were rocking in the event, Gabby was living her high time with her family.

“I spent the night in Paris with my friends and family. We went out to dinner, and I got to spend some time with them since I was so busy the whole time. It was so refreshing and just so nice and [I] got to celebrate having three medals,” Gabby revealed. And she thought that the best part about Paris was the support of her parents.

As She put together in the interview, “I remember coming off of my 200m gold medal race and going straight to my mom, going straight to my coach and they understand what it takes to get there. You know, they know what it was every day, every hour, every minute. So to be able to have them, there was incredible.”  So what is the way ahead for her from here?

On a show on Today on August 13, Gabby confirmed that LA28 is in her scheme of things. But not before she has gone through a recovery phase. As told by Gabby, it would be a six-week break before she starts training again. And that includes all those sinful outings!

“I’m really excited to have a pizza,” Gabby said. “I’m gonna go home, enjoy some downtime in Austin, Texas, with my dog [a pug named Rico], with my friends. And then maybe plan a little vacation before we get back to work,” she further added. Such periods of keeping herself away from the training have been crucial in her success, according to Gabby. And as puts it, that is where her alternative career option comes into play.

Gabby Thomas’s impeccable balancing act is the key to her success

Gabby, who has a degree in public health and Epidemiology from the University of Texas Health Science Center, works at the Austin volunteer healthcare clinic in their hypertension intervention program for people without insurance. And she does this by juggling with her training. In the months before the Olympics, Gabby trained three to six hours a day and did the healthcare service at night. While this might sound exhausting, Gabby thinks otherwise.

Gabby told NBC News that a career outside of track has been critical in her success as a professional athlete. “The way I became successful in track and field was basically running track part-time. And I think for me that’s really important for my mental health, just having other things in my life that helped fulfill, you know, my goals and make me feel fulfilled,” Gabby had said. According to Gabby, it helps to take her mind off the grueling training regime. This very ability to shift her thoughts has tremendously favored her on the tracks.

Today’s Hoda Kotb had wondered about Gabby’s calm demeanor in Paris, despite being a heavy favorite. “I knew coming into this that it was going to be an immense amount of pressure and just so much weight on my shoulders in a way that I’d never experienced before. I realized I was going to have to compartmentalize that,” Gabby had said. So she kept the moment light, cracking jokes with fellow competitors, until she was on the starting blocks. A field that has taught her so much indeed deserves a payback from her. And Gabby has plans for that.

As she retires from the tracks, Gabby eyes running a hospital or health equity nonprofit organization to democratize information and access to health care. We wait to see Gabby reaching new heights in each of her pursuits in the days to come.