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The tripple Olympic gold medalist has revealed why she thinks the many upcoming break away track and field meets in 2025, including Duael which could see Tyreek Hill race Noah Lyles, will redefine the sport.
American sprint queen Gabby Thomas has shared her thoughts on why the upcoming breakaway track meet, Duael, which could see Olympic champion Noah Lyles face NFL star Tyreek Hill, might revolutionize the sport of track and field.
Fresh off a remarkable performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she secured three gold medals, Thomas spoke passionately about initiatives like Duael and their potential to elevate the sport’s profile.
Thomas was recently part of the Athlos Women’s event by Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian held in New York in late September, a groundbreaking meet where athletes were treated to elite-level hospitality and rewards.
Reflecting on this experience, Thomas sees these types of initiatives as crucial to growing track and field beyond its traditional stages.
Speaking to Front Office Sports, Thomas said, "Athlos NYC was great, but there’s much more to come. The Grand Slam Track League is another exciting project, and any league where athletes are committed to competing regularly will push the sport forward."
She continued, “I know there’s another one in the works called Duael. I saw something about Noah and Tyreek Hill racing there, and that’s definitely going to drive attention. It's really, really cool.”
For Thomas, the unique approach taken by Athlos set it apart. "What made Athlos so special was the production—it was fun and entertaining.
“Sometimes, in track and field, we lose sight of that. We have people running the sport the same way over and over, and the meets often only attract hardcore track fans," she explained.
"But Athlos gave us a platform to tell our stories. We felt valued as the main product."
By incorporating entertainment and innovative formats, Gabby Thomas believes events like Duael and Athlos could be key in making track and field more accessible to a wider audience, beyond just major events like the Olympics.
With Thomas’ endorsement and the buzz surrounding potential races like Lyles vs. Hill, track and field could be on the verge of a new era.
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