Gabby Thomas is making strides in the athletics realm, notably qualifying for the women’s 4×100-meter relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics during the World Athletics Relays. Despite her recent success, her absence from an X post by veteran Olympian Michael Johnson has sparked attention regarding the future of American track and field.
Michael Johnson is a well-known name in American track and field, having won eight gold medals at world championships and four gold medals in the Olympics. He is well-known for his intense dedication to the sport and for frequently posting thoughts and observations about its future on social media.
He recently gave hope for the future of track and field on X, saying, “Track is in pretty good hands for the next few years!” based on his decades of athletic knowledge. He mentioned notable athletes but omitted another rising star, Gabby Thomas.
Thomas – The credentials
Track is in pretty good hands the next few years!
NOW: Noah, Sydney, Sha’Carri, Karston, Shericka, Grant, Athing, Faith, Jakob.
NEXT: Letsile, Rhasidat, Julian, Erryon, Yared.
Who am I missing?
— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) May 11, 2024
Johnson’s decision to leave Gabby Thomas off of his list angered the sprinting community, given her credentials. Thomas stunned the world in Tokyo in 2021 by taking home two medals: one in the 200-meter race and one in the 4×100-meter relay. She struggled with a hamstring injury in 2022, but she recovered to earn a silver medal in the 200m at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest. With a time of 21.60 seconds, she set a new record. In the 4×100-meter relay, she won the gold medal to end the race.
Was the exclusion intentional?
If intentional, such actions would remain disrespectful to Gabby Thomas, despite the considerable pressure modern athletes endure. Fans promptly acknowledged this sentiment.
One comment on the post said: “Actually, you’re missing a lot! Now: Gardiner, Miller Uibo, Dos-Santos, Kerley, Fraser-Pryce, Thompson-Herrah, Gabby Thomas. Future: Favour Ofili, Tamari Davis.”
The community is curious if this issue will have any impact on Gabby Thomas’s reign of glory. It is also a question nowadays if the flood of remarks that Michael Johnson received has caused him to become cautious of his observations.
Cover Photo: IG
Source: EssentiallySports