Gabby Thomas, a standout in American sprinting and a three-time Olympic gold medalist, recently opened up about why she decided to fire back at a social media user who questioned her intelligence. The online exchange started when a user commented, “Gabby Thomas doesn’t sound like she’s the brightest out there.” In response, the Harvard graduate sarcastically shot back, “You’re probably right, darn my Harvard degree.”
She later elaborated on why she chose to engage, shedding light on the challenges female athletes often face in online spaces. She pointed out that women in sports are frequently subjected to baseless criticism, and every now and then, she feels the need to respond. “Being a woman in sports, you get subjected to this all the time on the internet, and sometimes, I just have time. And sometimes when I am on the plane, don’t catch me because I will clap back,” she remarked.
However, her response only sparked further scrutiny, with some questioning whether she had rightfully earned her place at Harvard. She expressed her frustration that both her race and gender continue to be used to undermine her accomplishments, despite her strong academic credentials. Holding a degree in Neurobiology and Global Health from Harvard, along with a Master’s in Public Health, she has demonstrated excellence in both academics and athletics. Yet, detractors still attempt to discredit her achievements.
While she doesn’t feel the need to prove anything to online critics, she does admit to enjoying the occasional well-timed rebuttal. “And I am like okay, get off your high horse, I don’t know where you are coming from, and if you read the comments, they are actually awful. At the end of the day, I don’t have anything to prove to them, but the clap backs are always hilarious,” she said.
Beyond her academic success, she has established herself as one of the most dominant sprinters in the world. After completing her degrees, she shifted her focus to her athletic career—a decision that has yielded incredible results. She excelled at the Paris 2024 Olympics, winning gold medals in the 200m, 4x100m relay, and 4x400m relay. Her performances solidified her status as an elite competitor, proving that she thrives both in the classroom and on the track.
Her experience highlights a broader issue that many women in sports face—the constant questioning of their intelligence and accomplishments. Despite this, she remains unapologetically confident, using humor and wit to push back against unwarranted criticism. Her ability to handle negativity with grace and humor makes her an inspiring figure, both on and off the track.
Her story serves as a reminder that success is often met with skepticism, particularly for women and people of color. Instead of letting the criticism affect her, she continues to let her work speak for itself, whether through academic achievements, Olympic medals, or clever comebacks on social media. By addressing negativity with confidence and humor, she turns criticism into an opportunity to highlight the resilience of women in sports.
As she continues to push boundaries, both in her career and personal life, she remains a role model for aspiring athletes and students alike. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, intelligence, and undeniable talent. Despite the obstacles, she continues to rise, proving that no amount of online doubt can overshadow true excellence.
