Gabby Thomas on how legendary late sprinter Flo-Jo changed the game for modern female athletes

Gabby Thomas on how legendary late sprinter Flo-Jo changed the game for modern female athletes

Mark Kinyanjui 14:47 - 25.08.2024

Gabby Thomas has explained how legendary former American sprinter Flo-Jo redefined beauty amongst female sprinters.

American sprint sensation Gabby Thomas recently shared her admiration for the late Florence Griffith Joyner, commonly known as "Flo-Jo," emphasizing how the legendary sprinter redefined the sport for female athletes. 

Flo-Jo, who still holds the title of the fastest woman ever recorded, set world records in the 100m and 200m in 1988. Beyond her remarkable athletic achievements, she became an iconic figure, celebrated for her unique personal style and flair on the track.

Gabby Thomas emerged as one of the standout stars at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she secured three gold medals. 

She triumphed in the women’s 200m, followed by victories in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays, solidifying her status as one of the most formidable athletes in the sport. 

Her extraordinary performances have not only put her in the global spotlight but also garnered her a significant following. What has endeared her most to fans is her impressive academic background—Thomas holds a Master's degree in public health—coupled with her stunning presence on the track, which has attracted numerous endorsements.

Thomas, alongside other notable female sprinters like the ever-stylish Sha’Carri Richardson, has embraced the fusion of fashion and athletics, a trend pioneered by Flo-Jo. 

During a guest appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show, Thomas explained the importance of appearance in sprinting culture, particularly among American women, a tradition that can be traced back to Flo-Jo’s era of dominance.

“A big part of track and field. Anyone who watches track, if you have ever done track and you are a sprinter, a big part of our culture is how you look and style yourself for the race,” Thomas shared.

 “If you look good, you feel good, you run good. It is a big part of our race prep. You do the mental check, physical check and make sure you look good.”

Thomas went on to express how Flo-Jo’s legacy continues to inspire female sprinters today.

“We all know Florence Griffith Joyner. She is a legend, and I really think she changed the game. She empowered us, she inspired us. We watched her run and she would put on a show and people want to see her compete because she had her hair and nails done."

Reflecting on Flo-Jo’s influence, Thomas added, “Her uniforms were fabulous. We all kind of channel down that energy when we run down the track.”

Thomas also highlighted the unique style American women bring to the sport, saying, “American women, that is what we do. I think when people see us come to the track, they know we are going to bring that. Other countries bring that too, but I think the USA, we really bring that.”

Flo-Jo’s impact on the world of track and field extends far beyond her record-breaking performances. Her legacy lives on through athletes like Gabby Thomas, who continue to carry the torch, blending athletic excellence with a sense of style that captivates fans worldwide.

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