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Gabby Thomas Is Running Her Own Race

25 Jul '25
By The Shift

Image Courtesy of New Balance

25 Jul '25
By The Shift

Image Courtesy of New Balance

The Shift highlights women’s stories through the lens of impact. It hopes to contextualize history and inspire action.

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Gabby Thomas is an Olympic gold medalist and public health advocate with a degree in neurobiology from Harvard. Known as “the fastest epidemiologist alive,” she brings speed, brilliance, and purpose to the track and beyond, using her platform to advance health equity and inspire the next generation.

The Shift:

What is the legacy you hope to leave behind as a changemaker and leader in your industry?

Gabby:

I hope to leave a legacy that shows young people you don’t need to choose between academic excellence and athletic achievement. For me, they supported each other. Being challenged in the classroom helped me raise my expectations for myself, [and gave] me an outlet to de-stress from track. Even now, it’s important to balance my time between being an Olympic-level athlete, giving back to my community, and nurturing my interests in public health. You can be so many things at once. Don’t let anyone define or limit you.

Image by Duncan Boone for Grand Slam Track

 

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Gabby Thomas is honored as part of The Shift’s “90 Plus One” list, which recognizes influential women shaping contemporary culture. With Gloria Steinem featured on the inaugural print cover, the list pays homage to her 91 years of activism by highlighting a powerhouse community of women shifting culture.