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Gabby Thomas' Texas training facility sparks rumors as an Olympic medalist is spotted training under coach Tonja Buford-Bailey.
Multiple Olympic champion Gabby Thomas is reportedly building an even stronger training group at her Texas-based facility.
The three-time gold medalist from the Paris Olympics might be joined by French track and field star Cyréna Samba-Mayela.
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Samba-Mayela, the 2022 World Indoor Championships gold medalist in the 60m hurdles and Olympic silver medalist in the 100m hurdles, was recently spotted training with athletes coached by Tonja Buford-Bailey, Thomas’ esteemed coach.
The French hurdler uploaded photos with members of the elite group, adding fuel to rumors of a potential coaching switch.
“100m hurdles Olympic silver medalist Cyréna Samba-Mayela has been seen at the Tonja Buford-Bailey Track Club!” wrote track and field commentator Owen M in a post on X.
“While no new coaching change has been made official, Cyréna was being coached by John Coghlan in Orlando, Florida.”
Buford-Bailey, a former Olympic hurdler herself, guided Thomas to one of the most remarkable seasons in recent history.
At the Paris Olympics, Thomas claimed gold in the 200m, 4x100m relay, and the mixed 4x100m relay, solidifying her reputation as one of the most dominant athletes in the sport.
Her breathtaking 21.78-second run in the 200m semifinals at the U.S. Olympic Trials marked the fastest time in the world this year, a performance capped by her triple gold haul in Paris.
The Harvard graduate’s rise to international stardom was meteoric.
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Born in Atlanta and raised in Northampton, Massachusetts, Thomas set a series of records in her collegiate career, amassing an impressive 22 Conference titles.
Her success laid the foundation for her eventual triumphs on the global stage, including standout performances at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.
For her achievements in 2024, Thomas was awarded the prestigious USATF Jackie Joyner-Kersee Award, an accolade given to the top American athlete each season.
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Cyréna Samba-Mayela’s potential move to the Buford-Bailey group has naturally generated excitement.
The 23-year-old hurdler, who achieved Olympic silver in the 100m hurdles and won the 60m hurdles title at the World Indoor Championships, had previously been training under Florida-based coach John Coghlan.
However, her recent presence at Buford-Bailey’s training facility suggests she may be ready for a new chapter.
“Loved this city, might come back,” Samba-Mayela cryptically posted in May 2023 before joining Coghlan later that year.
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Yet, the allure of joining a group featuring Thomas and other top-tier talents like Tia Jones could be a pivotal factor in her decision-making.
Buford-Bailey’s roster is a growing force in track and field, boasting athletes capable of delivering at the highest levels.
If Samba-Mayela officially joins the group, it could further enhance the stature of the Texas-based training hub and position it as a breeding ground for future Olympic and World Championship contenders.
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