Remember when Gabby Thomas stunned the world by clinching her maiden Olympic gold in Stade de France? The sprinter had to settle for a bronze medal in the 200m event during the Tokyo Olympics. Yet she believed that Paris would be her game-changer. In fact, that was the plan all along. This time, the 27-year-old contested in 3 events at the French capital: the 200m, 4x100m, and 4x400m relay. And boy, she had a splendid time on the iconic purple tracks. 

Not only did she clinch the Olympic 200m champion title, but the athlete bagged two more golds in the other two events. With this, she successfully concluded her dreamy Parisian stint. However, that isn’t her only accomplishment. She also became the fifth woman in track and field history to clinch three medals at the same Olympics. This title previously belonged to her track and field idol, Allyson Felix. Now that the 2024 season is done and dusted, she closed it off with an incredible milestone. What could it be? 

Gabby Thomas draws the curtains on 2024 with a prestigious honor

There’s nothing better than completing a gold sweep on the world’s grandest stage. Gabby Thomas would agree. But as the dust settles on her thrilling time in the French capital, the USATF has bestowed the sprinter with the 2024 Jackie Joyner-Kersee Athlete of the Year Award. Ecstatic, the 27-year-old shared the news with fans on X with a heartfelt caption, “🥹🙏🏽” What could have led to this incredible moment? 

The sprinter had an incredible stint in the French capital. Amid a thundering cheer from 77,000 fans at Stade de France, the 27-year-old surged past the finish line in 21.83 seconds. Believe it or not, she was just as surprised when that happened. However, that wasn’t it. She didn’t just clinch 1 or 2 golds in the French capital. She walked away with 3 Olympic golds. In fact, the excerpt on the official website lists several of her accomplishments throughout the year as well.

“Thomas had five sub-22 second 200s on the year, topped by a world-leading 21.78 in the Trials semifinal.” But here’s the kicker! Her compatriot Sha’Carri Richardson had the honor of winning this award in 2023.

Not only did the sprinter consistently impress throughout the 2023 season, but she also stunned the world with her performance at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. She clinched the 100m World Champion title by sprinting to the finish in 10.65 seconds, pushing her to #5 on the world’s all-time performer list. Yet, this isn’t the only honor Gabby Thomas received this season. 

The Olympian was nominated for another track and field award

After the Tokyo Games, the 27-year-old was on a mission to prove her mettle on the tracks at the Olympic Trials. She beat her compatriot in a highly anticipated 200-meter final at the historic Hayward Field. The sprinter surged to the finish line with 21.81 seconds on the clock. This was just the beginning of her dreamy Parisian stint.

After six long years of hard work, intense training, and navigating through adversities, Gabby Thomas had finally clinched her maiden Olympic gold at Stade de France. As a result, she drew the curtains on her season triumphantly. However, the World Athletics Awards were right around the corner.

Among the six nominees for the Women’s Track Athlete of the Year, Gabby Thomas earned a spot alongside her compatriot Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. The duo shocked the track and field community with their incredible skills in the 4x400m relay, clinching yet another gold for Team USA.

Unfortunately, she wasn’t voted as one of the two finalists who eventually wins the award. However, being mentioned as one of the nominees is just as prestigious as winning the honor, isn’t it? Additionally, she also happens to be one of the latest athletes to be featured in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit’s upcoming 2025 edition. What do you think of her incredible honors?