Gabby Thomas Says Getting Accepted Into Harvard Was Easier Than Qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics

 

 

Gabby Thomas is a first-time Olympian who is simultaneously pursuing a degree in epidemiology at the University of Texas.
Gabby Thomas is a standout not only on the track, but also in the classroom.

Thomas, 24, is a first-time Olympian who came into Tokyo having recorded the second-fastest 200m sprint in history at the Team USA track and field Olympic trials, clocking in at 21.61 seconds. She ran a 22.20 in her qualifying event for the 200m in Japan on Monday.  
Thomas is an accomplished student when she is not on the track. She studied neuroscience and global health at Harvard University and is presently pursuing a master's degree in epidemiology at the University of Texas, a topic that is timely given the global coronavirus pandemic.

Despite the fact that both undertakings are difficult in their own right, Thomas doesn't hesitate to rate them: "It was more difficult to make the Olympic team. It isn't even a question."

"The US trials, throughout the sprints for sure, but I'm sure other events as well, are just the hardest squad to make in the world," Thomas tells PEOPLE.
"Many of those races are likely to be more difficult than some of the Olympic events. Some of them are the world's fastest races "she continues. "I recall only being there for two weeks, yet it was the most mentally challenging moment of my life to date. I hadn't slept in a long time and hadn't eaten in a long time. It was difficult since I was in such a zone and always on an adrenaline rush."
Thomas, who will race in the 200m final later on Sunday, is hoping that the rest of the country notices her Olympic endurance and tunes in to watch her run.
"I want to make sure that all of the Black athletes competing in every sport and event are getting the support they deserve," Thomas tells PEOPLE. "And it's fine with me if it doesn't always mean turning on your cable to watch the Olympics on the network, NBC. However, show your support for the Black athletes that are competing."

"And I think that's fairly unique because there are so many of us," she adds.