Five-time Olympic medalist Gabby Thomas has more than speed… she has perspective. The Harvard alum and sprinter added three golds to her collection in Paris last summer, all while balancing life off the track: a master’s degree in public health, a growing advocacy platform, and, yes, early-stage wedding planning. Now, the Atlanta native is partnering with Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day on Lots of Compassion, an initiative turning vacant lots into community gardens. We caught up with Gabby to talk about what keeps her grounded, how she maintains balance, and what keeps her (pun intended) growing.
On leaving spaces better than she found them…
“Health and well-being are very important to me, and when I’m not on the track, I’m focused on making a difference by volunteering at my community health clinic — which is something most people don’t know about me. This specific project spoke to me because it cultivates compassion in our communities literally from the ground up, by turning vacant lots into gardens all over the country. This initiative is special to me and feels personal because my mom has always instilled in me the importance of leaving places better than I find them. Connecting all these elements — the power of community, compassion, and green space — is what makes Lots of Compassion so special and important to me.”
How compassion drives her …
“On the track, compassion means being aware of my impact on the sport and everyone in it. It’s about celebrating other people’s wins, encouraging my teammates, and reminding myself that we’re all part of something bigger than just running — especially right now, in this moment of elevating women’s sports. Within my community, it’s always been about using my platform to uplift everyone around me — whether that’s among close friends, at the clinic, or with my training partners on a daily basis. With myself, it’s about giving myself grace. I can be really hard on myself when things don’t go as planned or when I’m stressed, but I know I need to have the same patience with myself that I would extend to others. That means allowing myself to rest, set boundaries, and give myself room to grow.”
On speaking up…
“I’ve navigated balancing this expectation throughout my career. I’ve learned to be intentional about what I choose to speak on, so that when I use my voice, I feel it’s for something I can truly provide a valuable perspective on and drive meaningful change. Advocating for women’s sports, public health, or shining a light on inspiring young women to see themselves in spaces they may not have before are areas where I feel my voice can be strongest. But I also allow myself to protect my peace, so that when I do speak up, it comes from a place of true authenticity and passion.”
Why health is bigger than an individual…
“Earning my master’s in public health allowed me to understand how health is more than just individual choices. It’s about so many other determinants outside of people’s control — like access, education, transportation, and overall environment. This perspective helps me think about how I can use my platform and time to have a broader impact. To me, that’s what being a role model is all about — showing others, especially young people, that you can use your passions and skills to make the world a better place. It doesn’t have to be in one lane — it can be science, sports, art, anything. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you pour yourself into it.”
The words that keep her running…
“'At the starting line, it’s usually, ‘You belong in this race. You’re ready. You’ve done the work. Just run your race.’”
Rapid Fire
Favorite snack?
Gummy bears
Favorite self-care ritual?
Reading
Favorite rend?
Chrome nails
Songs on repeat?
“No One Noticed” — The Marías
“12 to 12” — Sombr
“Walking on a Dream” — Empire of the Sun
Live Smarter
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