Triple Olympics champion Gabby Thomas has recently opened up about the mindset and rituals that keep her confident on the track.
After an outstanding 2024 season, which saw her win three gold medals at the Paris Olympic Games and two more at the 2024 World Athletics Relays, the American sprinter is riding high on her success.
In a recent interview with Thomas shared how crucial mental strength is for her performance as an elite athlete.
Gabby Thomas has explained how accidentally watching Allyson Felix racing on TV gradually fueled her journey towards wanting to become an Olympic great herself.
«Mental confidence is a huge part of my sport, and the energy that comes from knowing I’m at my strongest is what truly makes me feel fabulous. So every day, I’m building the habit of training consistently, working hard, and pushing my limits,» Thomas revealed.
Thomas shared that her practice sessions are designed to not only sharpen her physical abilities but also strengthen her mindset. By enforcing daily habits and routines, she builds the foundation for her race-day confidence, which allows her to push through any challenge.
«When it comes to feeling hot, it’s all about a mindset that I’ve cultivated through my training, style, and little rituals,» Thomas said.
Moraa was the heavy favorite to win the 800 meters that would have seen her pocket home a cool $60,000 (Ksh 7.73 million), but she had to settle for second place.
This includes a mix of visualization, consistent workouts, and the belief that she’s always progressing. Her rituals also extend to pre-race moments, where she takes time to center herself and step into what she calls «main character energy.»
Music plays an essential part in this process. Thomas noted that having the right tunes during her training sessions helps her get into the zone, allowing her to push her limits and channel her inner strength. Whether it is before a big race or just another day on the track, her playlists fuel her mentality and keep her focused on her goals.
Beyond her athletic triumphs, Thomas has been making the most of her time off the track as well.
Recently, she attended a WNBA playoff game between the New York Liberty and the Atlanta Dream at the Barclays Center in New York, just a day before competing in the 200m dash at the Athlos NYC event. This marked her second live WNBA game after a previous visit to watch the Indiana Fever alongside fellow Olympian Simone Biles.
Sharing her experience at the game on Instagram, Thomas expressed her admiration for the New York Liberty’s dominant performance and the high-energy atmosphere of the WNBA.
«Shout out to the Liberty for putting on a show tonight! Loving the energy of the WNBA,» she wrote, showing her enthusiasm for the league.
During the playoff match, Liberty stars Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu were pivotal in securing a 91-82 victory over the Atlanta Dream. Ionescu, in particular, had a standout performance with an impressive 36 points, while Jones contributed 20 points to the team’s win.