Gabby Thomas, the three-time Olympic gold medalist from the United States, shared her plans to return to training soon after an Achilles injury forced her to skip the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Speaking at a gala in New York on October 22, 2025, the 28-year-old sprinter said she aims to start preparing in December for a packed 2026 season, focusing on full recovery and new ventures in track and field.
Injury Hits Hard After Olympic Glory
Thomas had been dealing with the Achilles issue since May 2025, but it worsened in July, right after her standout performance at the Paris Olympics in 2024. She won gold in the 200 meters, plus the 4×100 and 4×400 meter relays, thrilling fans worldwide.
The injury led to a tough choice. She qualified third at the U.S. trials but pulled out of the worlds to protect her long-term health. Thomas called it a human moment, stressing that athletes cannot always push through pain.
Experts say Achilles injuries need careful management to avoid lasting damage. Thomas has followed medical advice, resting and rehabbing to ensure she comes back stronger.
Road to Recovery Takes Shape
Recovery has been steady for Thomas. She first felt the pain early in the season, and by late summer, it limited her even from jogging. Now, after missing key events, she reports progress and expects to resume light training within weeks.
Her team, including coach Tonja Buford-Bailey, backs this timeline. They aim for her to be competition-ready by early 2026, drawing from past comebacks in track stars like Allyson Felix, who bounced back from injuries to win more medals.
Thomas has shared glimpses of her rehab on social media, inspiring fans. She tried a viral fitness challenge recently, showing her determination despite the setback.
Big Plans for 2026 Season
Looking ahead, 2026 promises excitement for Thomas. She plans to compete in major meets, building toward future Olympics. With no Games that year, she can focus on personal bests and team relays.
Her schedule might include diamond league events and national championships. Thomas hinted at targeting records in the 200 meters, where she set a meet record of 21.82 seconds in London back in 2024.
Beyond racing, she wants to mentor young athletes. Thomas, who holds a master’s in public health, often speaks on wellness, tying her story to broader fitness trends.
Here is a quick look at her key milestones:
- 2024 Paris Olympics: Gold in 200m, 4x100m, and 4x400m relays.
- 2023 World Championships: Silver in 200m.
- College career at Harvard: Multiple NCAA titles.
Leading Change in Women’s Track
Thomas is not just an athlete; she is a business force. As co-owner and advisor for Athlos, a women’s-only track league, she helps shift the sport. The league expands to multiple meets in 2026, riding the wave of growing interest in women’s sports.
This move follows the success of events like the one in New York this month. Thomas sees it as a turning point, with more fans and sponsors eyeing women’s track.
She draws parallels to tennis icons like Serena Williams, who boosted visibility. Thomas aims to make track more accessible, perhaps through live streams and community programs.
Impact on Fans and the Sport
The surge in women’s sports popularity, boosted by stars like Caitlin Clark in basketball, creates opportunities. Thomas believes track can capitalize, drawing bigger crowds and deals.
Her story resonates with aspiring runners facing injuries. By prioritizing health, she sets an example, showing that comebacks build resilience.
| Event | Year | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Paris Olympics | 2024 | Three gold medals |
| U.S. Trials | 2025 | Third in 200m despite injury |
| World Championships | 2025 | Withdrew for recovery |
| Athlos League Launch | 2026 | Multi-meet format debut |
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