'I have looked up to her for so long'- Gabby Thomas reflects on following Allyson Felix's legacy after Olympic triumph

has opened up about the confidence she gained after the Paris Olympic Games, especially after becoming the first American woman, after her idol Allyson Felix, to claim the women’s 200m title on the Olympic stage.

Allyson Felix claimed the title at the 2012 London Olympic Games but after that, Jamaica dominated for two consecutive editions courtesy of. The fastest woman alive captured the title at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and defended her title at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Janeth Jekosgei has donated the piece of clothing that she wore when she won the 800m world title in 2007

However,meant business at this year’s Olympics, recapturing the title. In an interview with Olympics.com, she admitted that it was a great honour to have won three gold medals and following in the footsteps of Felix is a huge inspiration to her as she continues inspiring young girls.

“Being the first woman to win the 200m gold since Allyson Felix in 2012 is such a great feeling because I have looked up to her for so long, ever since I was a child. She’s such great representation, but I still never imagined that I would be quite in that exact position,” Gabby Thomas said.

“So, to be here and follow in her footsteps is such an honour, not only because of what she does on the track and her performances. But what she does off the track and what that means for myself and other young girls,” she added.

Gabby Thomas opens up about the challenges of adjusting to the competitive and sometimes unfriendly professional track environment after college while emphasizing the importance of self-belief, representation, and her drive to inspire others.

Meanwhile, at the Paris Olympics, Gbaby Thomas was nothing short of impressive as she claimed the women’s 200m, 4x100m and 4x400m relay titles.

The world 200m bronze medallist started her winning streak with the 200m, clocking 21.83 to cross the finish line ahead of Julien Alfred and Brittany Brown. She proceeded to help Team USA grab the 4x100m relay title, running in the third leg and handing over the baton to Sha’Carri Richardson.

also raced in the women’s 4x400m relay race, running in the third leg and handing over the baton to 400m hurdles world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone who was no fluke as she claimed top honours.