“We felt so appreciated”- Gabby Thomas opens up on competing in Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian led all-women track meet 'Athlos'

By Adityan Pillai

Modified Nov 08, 2024 03:40 GMT

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Gabby Thomas spoke about competing in the inaugural edition of Alexis Ohanian's track meet 'Athlos' which was held in Icahn Stadium in New York City. The exclusive track meet featured six events with six athletes competing for the title. The American athlete revealed how the event, aimed to pioneer change in women's sports, made all the athletes feel appreciated and celebrated the sport in general.

Thomas returned to the track for the first time after winning three gold medals at the Paris Olympics to compete in Athlos. She competed in the 200m and finished second behind Brittany Brown who claimed the ultimate title. The 27-year-old spoke about her experience competing in the event during her appearance on 'Ali on the Run show'.

Thomas revealed how the event, led by Alexis Ohanian, had several first-of-its-kind features including a massive paycheck for each winner and great performances by Megan Thee Stallion and DJ D Nice.

Speaking about her experience, she said:

“I had a great time helping to put it on. The after party for that was incredible. Alexis Ohanian had done it, he laid out the red carpet for us. He had our favorite celebrities there. Megan Thee Stallion performed right there on the track. And it was just such an incredible cultural moment for us."

“It was so well thought out and we felt so appreciated and we had so much fun. And it was a celebration of not just our racing, but like us as athletes and our culture and just women in sport. And I've just never felt so seen and like understood and celebrated. So I think that that was the best post-race celebration for me,” she added.

Gabby Thomas on her decision to compete in Athlos

Gabby Thomas at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 - Athletics - Source: Getty

Gabby Thomas spoke about her decision to compete in Athlos after the Paris Olympics. The American athlete revealed that she wanted to be a part of the change in women's sports and expressed her thoughts on the overall impact that the event would have on the track and field space.

"This is bigger than myself and it’s bigger than this race. It’s bigger than just the six of us lining up. It’s really about what we’re doing for women’s sports. What this event particularly means for women's sports and track and field," she said.

Gabby Thomas concluded one of the most successful seasons of her career after her appearance at Athlos NYC.