What does it take to turn a dream into reality? For Gabby Thomas, it’s a question that reflects her remarkable journey to the Tokyo Olympics, a journey fueled by passion, resilience, and an unwavering hope that often seemed out of reach. Gabby gave it all and succeeded in fulfilling her dream, making it possible. 

Yet, the road to Tokyo was anything but smooth. Thomas went to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to represent the United States to compete in the 200-meter race and 4 × 100 m. Tokyo was a bit challenging for Thomas, as there was a COVID-19 pandemic, and she was away from her family. Wondering how she made her dream come true?

Gabby Thomas’ journey to Olympic glory

Thomas’ journey to the Tokyo Olympics was defined by her commitment to her dreams, spurred on by her mother’s sacrifices. Thomas has been raised by a single mother who sacrificed so much to provide Thomas with everything. Gabby learned the value of hard work and determination from her mother.

Gabby Thomas’ track and field journey started during her Harvard days; she won 22 conference titles in six different events. She also made Ivy League records in the 100m, 200m, and indoor 60m. After Harvard, Gabby moved to Austin, Texas, and that’s when her new journey started.

The Tokyo Olympics were postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions, and new dates came for 2021. But Thomas had no clue that she would have to face such a big health issue. She was diagnosed with a liver tumor just before the trials. Despite her health conditions, Thomas completed her Olympic trials with 21.61 seconds, which made her the second-fastest ever. 

In an interview with New York Road Runner, Gabby Thomas was asked, “Did you envision what you would have in the way that would ultimately change your life? Did you see all of this coming?” To which she replied, ”Yes. Great question. Yeah. So when I started this journey, I moved to Austin, Texas, after graduating college in 2019 with the hopes of making an Olympic team someday. I wasn’t sure if I was going to, but I had that dream and I had that hope. And so when I made the Tokyo Olympic team in 2021, that to me was such an accomplishment at that point in my life; that was truly like my dreams had all come true.” Her journey, rooted in determination and hope, set the stage for what would unfold next—an experience that would redefine her understanding of success and resilience.

Did Thomas plan to win a medal at the Tokyo Olympics?

Gabby Thomas had a great career start at Harvard, but did she already set a goal to become a medalist at the Olympics? Thomas revealed to NYRR, “And I didn’t see myself as a medalist or even a gold medalist at that time. I just wanted to say that I was an Olympian. And so the Tokyo experience for me was also a dream come true. I mean, we couldn’t have people in the stands. I couldn’t have my friends and family there, but I came out of the Tokyo Olympics as a two-time Olympic medalist, which for me was such a win at the time.”

As she stepped onto the Olympic stage, Thomas embraced the opportunity to compete, holding hope to achieve success. Thomas earned not only one but two medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which was a surprise for Thomas herself. Thomas won bronze with a 21.87 s time, and in the 4 x 100 m relay, she ran anchor, and with that, the U.S. team got silver.

However, the absence of family and friends in the stands was a painful reminder of the sacrifices that often go unnoticed. Despite this, Thomas’ success became a symbol of not only her determination but also the sacrifices made by those who supported her, including her mother. Gabby Thomas has come a long way, and miles are still to go. Time will unfold the rest.