Written By 
Reviewed By Harris Hubbard
Eugene, Oregon – Former Harvard track and field standout Gabby Thomas ’19 advanced to the final of the women’s 200-meter dash at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on Thursday evening.
Thomas, who is now a professional runner for Nike, finished second in her semifinal heat with a time of 21.98 seconds. She was just 0.06 seconds behind the winner of the heat, Jenna Prandini.
The top three finishers in each of the three semifinal heats, as well as the next three fastest times across all heats, advanced to the final. Thomas’s time was the fourth-fastest among all semifinalists.
The final of the women’s 200-meter dash is scheduled for Saturday, June 26, at 7:52 p.m. PT. The top three finishers in the final will earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the Tokyo Games.
Thomas, who was a three-time All-American at Harvard, has been one of the rising stars in the women’s 200-meter dash in recent years. She won the NCAA outdoor championship in the event in 2018 and finished second in 2019.
Thomas is also a member of the U.S. 4×400-meter relay team, which won the gold medal at the 2019 World Athletics Championships.
Thomas’s Journey to the Olympic Trials
Thomas’s journey to the Olympic Trials has been anything but easy. She has overcome a number of challenges, including injuries and a lack of financial support.
In 2018, Thomas suffered a stress fracture in her foot that kept her out of competition for several months. She also struggled with financial insecurity, as she did not have a professional contract with a shoe company.
Despite these challenges, Thomas has persevered. She has worked hard to regain her fitness and has found a way to balance her training with her academic pursuits.
Thomas is now one of the top sprinters in the world. She is a legitimate contender to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic team and compete for a medal in Tokyo.
Thomas’s Harvard Legacy
Thomas is a proud graduate of Harvard University. She majored in neurobiology and was a member of the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study.
Thomas is grateful for the opportunities that Harvard provided her. She credits the university with helping her to develop both academically and athletically.
“Harvard gave me the tools to be successful in all aspects of my life,” Thomas said. “I am so grateful for the education and experiences that I had there.”
Thomas is a role model for young athletes everywhere. She shows that it is possible to achieve success in both athletics and academics. She is an inspiration to everyone who dreams of pursuing their passions.
The Future of Gabby Thomas
Thomas has a bright future ahead of her. She is only 24 years old and is still improving as a sprinter.
Thomas has the potential to be one of the best 200-meter runners in the world. She has the speed, the strength, and the determination to succeed at the highest level.
Thomas is excited for the opportunity to represent the United States at the Olympic Games. She knows that it will be a challenge, but she is confident that she can succeed.
“I am so proud to be representing the United States at the Olympic Games,” Thomas said. “I am going to give it my all and try to make my country proud.”
