Gabby Thomas, the multiple Olympic medalist, recently shared her excitement about the invaluable mentorship she received from legendary American tennis icon Billie Jean King. The 27-year-old sprinter expressed how much it meant to her to meet King at the 38th annual Footwear News Achievement Awards gala. Thomas was among the group of female athletes who had the privilege of learning from King, whose advice left a profound impact on the sprinter, especially regarding the legacy she wishes to leave behind in her sport.
For Thomas, meeting King was more than just a career highlight—it was a turning point. She has always been passionate about leaving a positive mark on her sport, and the mentorship from King helped clarify how she could achieve that. In a post on social media, Thomas thanked Billie Jean King for sharing her “inspiring words,” acknowledging how powerful and meaningful the conversation was, particularly for female athletes like herself.
Thomas expressed a desire to leave the world of athletics better than she found it, emphasizing the importance of building a lasting legacy. “Leaving my sport (and beyond) better than I found it is a legacy I aspire to have,” Thomas shared, demonstrating her commitment not only to athletic excellence but also to contributing to the progress of women in sports. This aspiration aligns with King’s lifetime of advocacy for gender equality and the empowerment of women in athletics.
Billie Jean King, now 80 years old, has had an extraordinary career that transcends tennis. A former world No.1 tennis player, King won an impressive 39 Grand Slam titles, including 12 in singles, 16 in women’s doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles. Her accomplishments on the tennis court are unparalleled, and her influence has shaped the future of women in sports. Beyond her sporting achievements, King has been an outspoken advocate for equality, using her platform to fight for the rights of women athletes and to push for greater recognition and opportunity for women in sports.
King’s mentorship extends beyond mere advice; she serves as a role model who demonstrated the impact that athletes can have off the field or court. Her efforts to promote social change and gender equality continue to inspire new generations of athletes, including Thomas, who has been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and the importance of creating more opportunities for female athletes.
In September 2024, Kenyan athletes Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet had the opportunity to meet King in New York. They received the Golden Plate by the Academy of Achievers of the United States of America, which recognized their impressive track performances. Their meeting with King was another example of how she continues to mentor and guide athletes from across the globe, offering them wisdom from her own experiences in both sport and advocacy.
Billie Jean King’s influence has reached far beyond tennis, and her legacy as an advocate for women’s rights and equality in sports has become a beacon for athletes worldwide. For Thomas, the opportunity to learn from someone with such a profound impact on the history of women in sports is something she will carry with her throughout her career. As she prepares for future competitions, Thomas remains focused on her ambition to use her platform and achievements to inspire and mentor the next generation of athletes, just as King has done for her.
In a world where the pressure to excel is immense, mentorship from trailblazers like Billie Jean King can provide athletes with the necessary guidance to navigate their careers with purpose and integrity. For Gabby Thomas, meeting King was not just an honor—it was a moment that will influence her path, both as an athlete and as an advocate for change, for years to come. With such powerful role models in her corner, Thomas is well-positioned to continue making a lasting impact, both on and off the track.
