Gabby Thomas, a three-time Olympic champion, is preparing for an ambitious start to her 2025 season as she sets her sights on the inaugural Grand Slam Track series. The first event, scheduled to take place in Kingston, Jamaica, marks a crucial step in her campaign following an exceptional 2024 season.
As part of her commitment to the Grand Slam Track series, Thomas is expanding her competitive range beyond her usual 100m and 200m sprints. This shift in focus has led her to adopt new training methods, including an intense workout session with renowned middle-distance runner Nikki Hiltz.
“I am going to do one of Nikki’s workouts on Tuesday. I am terrified,” Thomas admitted during a recent discussion. “I’m bringing my group for backup, but it should be interesting.”
Thomas is widely known for her explosive speed in short-distance sprints, but Hiltz’s training regimen presents an entirely new challenge. The workouts are structured around high-volume interval running, a stark contrast to the high-intensity, short-burst training that Thomas is accustomed to.
“I think we run an average of 2,500–3,000 meters a day, broken up into intervals,” she explained. “On longer days, we run about 3,000 meters maybe Monday and Friday. Then Tuesday and Thursday are intense sprinting days.”
For Thomas, endurance-based sprint training presents one of the biggest challenges, particularly the longer interval repetitions. While she excels in short, high-speed efforts, the demand of sustaining speed over longer distances requires a different kind of conditioning.
“The longest we go is probably your short sprint day. The 6×400 I’ve never run anything longer than a 400 in training. Other than my mile time trial, which was awful,” she admitted.
Despite these challenges, Thomas remains focused on refining her performance and pushing her limits. Her willingness to step outside her comfort zone and take on rigorous endurance workouts reflects her dedication to maintaining her dominance on the track.
With her season opener fast approaching, all eyes will be on how these new training elements impact her performance. The rigorous preparation suggests that Thomas is not just aiming to maintain her elite status but to further elevate her capabilities.
Her relentless pursuit of excellence sets her apart as one of the most formidable athletes in the sport. As she continues to adapt and challenge herself, her upcoming season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years.
