Gabby Thomas has recently discussed the mental confidence and rituals that underpin her success following her triple Olympic victory. The American sprinter is basking in her achievements after an exceptional 2024 season, where she secured three gold medals at the Paris Olympic Games and two more at the 2024 World Athletics Relays.
In a recent interview with SELF, Thomas emphasized the importance of mental strength for her as an elite athlete. She stated, “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 explained that her training sessions aim to enhance not only her physical abilities but also her mindset. By establishing daily routines, she lays the groundwork for her race-day confidence, enabling her to face challenges head-on. She added, “When it comes to feeling hot, it’s all about a mindset that I’ve cultivated through my training, style, and little rituals.”
Her approach includes visualization, regular workouts, and a belief in her continuous progress. Pre-race, she takes time to center herself, embracing what she calls “main character energy.” Music plays a vital role in her preparation, as she noted that the right tracks help her focus and push her limits, whether before a significant race or during everyday training.
Off the track, Thomas has also been enjoying her time, recently attending a WNBA playoff game between the New York Liberty and the Atlanta Dream at the Barclays Center, just before competing in the 200m dash at the Athlos NYC event. This was her second live WNBA game, having previously attended a match featuring the Indiana Fever with fellow Olympian Simone Biles.
On Instagram, she shared her excitement about the Liberty’s performance, writing, “Shout out to the Liberty for putting on a show tonight! Loving the energy of the WNBA.” During the playoff match, Liberty stars Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu were key in their 91-82 victory, with Ionescu scoring an impressive 36 points and Jones adding 20.
