){kind=small}
Premier){kind=small}
BID
){kind=small}
MAU
){kind=small}
LaLiga){kind=small}
VLL
){kind=small}
OSA
){kind=small}
MUR
){kind=small}
KAS
){kind=small}
FCT
){kind=small}
SHA
){kind=small}
GOM
){kind=small}
NAC
){kind=small}
BAN
){kind=small}
Premier){kind=logo}
FUL
){kind=logo}
CHE
){kind=logo}
MUN
){kind=logo}
WOL
){kind=logo}
IPS
){kind=small}
ARS
){kind=small}
Ligue 1){kind=small}
LIL
){kind=small}
AJA
){kind=small}
Serie A){kind=small}
EMP
){kind=small}
VEN
){kind=small}
TUF
){kind=small}
Bundesl){kind=logo}
FCA
){kind=logo}
EFR
){kind=logo}
VIL
){kind=small}
RSO
){kind=small}
SDR
){kind=small}
TFC
){kind=small}
B29
){kind=logo}
LENS
){kind=small}
NICE
){kind=small}
SCO
){kind=logo}
LEI
){kind=small}
LIV
){kind=small}
BVB
){kind=logo}
BMG
)
Gabby Thomas has reflected on the dynamics of rivalry with fellow American sprint queen Sha'Carri Richardson.
Olympic champion Gabby Thomas previously opened up about her dynamic rivalry with fellow American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, offering a thoughtful perspective on their competitive relationship and its broader impact on the sport.
“I think it’s fun. I like following that kind of media, and I think other people do too,” Thomas remarked during a previous episode of The Running Effect podcast reflecting on Richardson's polarizing personality impact on track and field.
“So, I think it’s fun having someone like that who can bring eyeballs to the sport. Honestly, racing Sha’Carri and being her rival has brought attention to my career, too, and I have to commend her ability to handle all that media attention and still compete.”
PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News
Thomas praised Richardson’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure, especially after securing gold at the World Championships despite facing significant public scrutiny.
“For a while, it was like a lot of media attention going on, and that’s hard to balance. But she came back and won the World Championships despite all that, and it shows maturity,” Thomas said.
The rivalry, however, highlights contrasting personalities and approaches to competition.
“It’s a lot of energy when she’s around, and I think that’s how she fuels herself,” Thomas explained.
“She thrives on that type of energy and type of attention, and she needs to have that competitive vibe with her rivals. If she needs to feel that ‘beef’ or negative energy to motivate her, then that’s cool. A lot of people need that.”
Thomas acknowledged that her own mindset differs significantly from that of the reigning women's 100m world champion.
“I don’t think I operate that way. It would drive me insane and make me too nervous. The way I operate is through focus, meditation, and concentrating on myself. That works for me and gives me my edge.”
The Thomas-Richardson rivalry has played out on some of the sport’s biggest stages. At the 2023 World Athletics Championships, the duo both medaled in the 200m. Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson took gold, with Thomas finishing second in 21.81 seconds and Richardson earning bronze in 21.92 seconds. They later teamed up to steer Team USA to victory in the 4x100m relay.
The following year at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials, they clashed again in the 200m. While Richardson dominated the 100m, she could not replicate her success in the 200m, finishing fourth as Thomas claimed the top spot.
Their rivalry extended to the Paris Olympics, where both athletes delivered standout performances. Richardson medaled in the 100m, earning silver, while Thomas captured gold in the 200m.
They later joined forces in the 4x100m relay alongside Melissa Jefferson and Twanisha Terry, where Richardson anchored Team USA to a gold medal—her only gold of the Games. For Thomas, the relay victory added to her impressive haul, which included golds in the 200m and 4x400m relay.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Thomas-Richardson rivalry is set to add another compelling chapter to its story. Both athletes have proven they can deliver under pressure, and their contrasting styles and approaches continue to captivate fans worldwide.
Whether facing off as fierce competitors or teaming up as relay teammates, Thomas and Richardson remain two of track and field’s most exciting stars.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)