In the world of sprinting, few athletes can rival the sheer brilliance of Gabby Thomas. The American track star — who etched her name in history with a bronze medal in the 200m at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics — has become a formidable force on the track. Her combination of speed, technique, tactics, and endurance is a sight to behold, leaving even the most competitive runners trailing in her wake.
Gabby Thomas, the sprinter
Since her impressive Olympic debut, Thomas has continued to ascend to new heights. The Harvard graduate outdid her Olympic performance at the World Championships, clinching a silver medal and solidifying her status as one of the world’s top sprinters. Her victory at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials was nothing short of spectacular, as she blazed through the 200m in a scorching 21.81 seconds, one of the fastest times of the season.
With her remarkable talent and consistent performances, Thomas is now seen as a strong contender for gold in the 200m. Should she achieve this feat, she would join the ranks of legendary American sprinters like Allyson Felix, Florence Griffith-Joyner, and Wilma Rudolph, further cementing her legacy.
As Gabby Thomas’ star continues to rise, so does the interest in her personal life. Fans are eager to learn more about the woman behind the track spikes, including her relationship with her boyfriend, Spencer McManes.
A sprinter and a baseball outfielder in love
Spencer McManes, a former Yale quarterback, is not just any partner for Thomas. He is an accomplished athlete and Ivy League graduate himself. Hailing from Roswell, Georgia, McManes made a name for himself in high school sports, setting records in football and excelling as an outfielder in baseball.
McManes’ journey at Yale was not defined by his football career alone. He graduated with a degree in political science and government in 2017 and embarked on a professional path that led him to work at the MyChrystal Group in Alexandria, Virginia, and later to Austin, Texas, where he joined DataGrail as a senior customer success manager.
But McManes’ story doesn’t end there. He has also ventured into the world of entrepreneurship with “Kaviva,” a non-alcoholic kava seltzer brand, aiming to revolutionize the drinking experience without the downsides of alcohol.
The beginnings of McManes and Thomas’ relationship are a bit of a mystery, but it’s believed they connected around October 2022, when Thomas moved to Austin to pursue her Master’s degree in epidemiology at the University of Texas and train with renowned coach Tonja Buford-Bailey. Their shared background in Ivy League sports and Georgia roots likely played a significant role in bringing them together.
The couple’s bond is evident, with McManes and his family showing unwavering support for Thomas’ athletic pursuits. McManes has even been spotted wearing a “Team Gabby” shirt, showing his pride and support for his partner.
As Gabby Thomas gears up for her next sprinting challenge, her fans and loved ones, including Spencer McManes, eagerly await to see her soar to new heights. With her talent, determination, and the support of those closest to her, the sky’s the limit for this American sprinting sensation.