Gabby Thomas balances Olympic success with a passion for healthcare, eyeing a meaningful career in medicine after track retirement.
American sprint queen Gabby Thomas is not just a force to be reckoned with on the track but also an inspiring figure off it.
After a stellar 2024 season that saw her clinch three Olympic gold medals in Paris, Thomas has her sights set on a long-term career in healthcare.
The 27-year-old, who juggled her athletic pursuits with academic excellence and healthcare volunteering, recently revealed her post-retirement aspirations in an interview.
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In a recent conversation with Kate Mackz, Thomas candidly expressed her aspirations beyond the track.
“I currently volunteer at a healthcare clinic in Austin, Texas, and it gives healthcare to people who otherwise wouldn’t have access. So, people who don’t have health insurance or people who really struggle to just go and get primary healthcare. When I retire, I’d love to stay in that space, whether that’s working in hospitals, running a hospital or like staying in the nonprofit space,” she said.
Thomas’s healthcare journey is as inspiring as her athletic career as a Harvard graduate with a degree in neurobiology and global health, she later pursued a master’s degree in public health with a focus on epidemiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.
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Balancing her demanding studies with her athletic commitments, Thomas’s dedication shines as a testament to her work ethic and passion.
During her preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Thomas volunteered at a healthcare clinic in Austin, serving uninsured individuals.
Her dual commitment paid off, as she dominated the Paris Games, winning gold in the 200m, 4x100m and 4x400m relay events. These victories solidified her status as a global track star and earned her widespread acclaim.
Reflecting on her approach to balancing healthcare and athletics, Thomas shared with NBC in 2024.
“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.”
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Thomas’s triumphant year culminated with her being awarded the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Female Athlete of the Year honor by USATF at the 2024 Night of Legends ceremony in Orlando.
Despite her dominance in Paris, the season’s finale at the Athlos NYC saw Thomas finish second in the 200m earning a silver medal behind fellow American Brittany Brown.
The result was a reminder of the fierce competition on the global stage and Thomas’s relentless drive for excellence.
Outside her athletic and healthcare pursuits, Thomas has embraced her role as a cultural icon from making fashionable appearances at award shows to spearheading major brand campaigns, she seamlessly blends sport, advocacy, and style.
Looking ahead, Thomas is poised to continue excelling on the track in 2025 while remaining deeply rooted in her commitment to healthcare.
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Her dream of running a hospital or expanding access to medical care reflects her dedication to creating lasting change.