Gabby Thomas, a triple Olympic gold medalist, has taken a strong stance against critics who judge athletes for indulging in sweets or foods that are often deemed unhealthy for high-performance athletes. In a recent TikTok video, Thomas shared her frustration with how fans are quick to express surprise or disapproval when they see her enjoying foods outside of the stereotypical “clean” diet expected of professional athletes.
The athlete emphasized the importance of balance in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, stating that while she prioritizes clean eating focusing on getting her necessary nutrients and taking multivitamins she also allows herself the pleasure of indulging in sweet treats. She pointed out that it’s common for athletes to enjoy occasional indulgences and that her love for sweets, such as ice cream and gummy candy, is no exception.
“One of the funniest parts of being a professional athlete is that any time I eat something, that is not chicken breast and veggies people are like, ‘Gabby, you have to run, put that down,’” Thomas said. She went on to clarify that while she does eat clean and takes care of her body, there is room for enjoying things like ice cream. “Yes, I get it, athletes have to eat clean and I do eat clean,” she explained, but she also reminded her followers that enjoying a sweet treat does not negate the hard work and discipline she puts into her training.
She made it clear that her diet isn’t solely comprised of “healthy” foods, and she is not afraid to embrace her cravings, even if it involves gummy candy. “I don’t know how I would do my job without eating gummy candy every night before I go to sleep,” she confessed. For Thomas, maintaining balance is key to both her physical and mental well-being.
Her message of balance resonated with many, as she pointed out that even though athletes are often seen as role models for physical excellence, they are still human and have the same cravings as anyone else. “I don’t know any athlete who doesn’t love a sweet treat. I don’t know any runner who doesn’t love a cheat meal,” she added, making it clear that the idea of a “perfect” athlete who never enjoys indulgences is unrealistic.
Thomas’ success at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she won gold in the 200m and contributed to gold medal performances in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays, serves as a testament to the fact that enjoying a treat now and then does not hinder athletic performance. Her dominant performance in Paris, where she became the first American woman to win three Olympic golds in a single Games since Allyson Felix in 2012, proves that her approach to balancing enjoyment with training has been effective.
Her ability to perform at the highest level while still indulging in foods she loves offers a message to her fans: athletes are more than just their diets or their rigorous routines. They are human, and their ability to thrive often depends on finding a healthy balance between discipline and enjoyment. Whether it’s a bite of ice cream or a handful of gummy candies, Gabby Thomas is showing the world that success is not about perfection, but about finding the right balance that works for each individual.
