VIDEO: Harvard graduate Gabby Thomas in tears after winning 200m gold medal at Paris Olympics

Gabby Thomas won gold in the 200m at the 2024 Olympics with a dominant 21.83-second performance, adding to the US team's success.

VIDEO: Harvard graduate Gabby Thomas in tears after winning 200m gold medal at Paris Olympics

Gabby Thomas won the gold medal in the women's 200 meters at the 2024 Olympics (Image via Open Source/X)

Gabby Thomas won the gold medal in the women’s 200 meters at the 2024 Olympics on Tuesday (August 6), finishing in 21.83 seconds and dominating the field. Her coach, Tonja Buford-Bailey, had advised her to get the lead and finish strong, which Thomas did with ease.

Thomas burst into the lead at the curve and was never challenged, finishing well clear of 100-meter champion Julien Alfred of St. Lucia. She shouted and placed her hands on her head after crossing the line, describing the moment as “the happiest of my life.”

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I don’t think, it could have gone any better. I couldn’t tell you where my competitors were in that race, because I blacked out... I knew that if I were in any position in this race, I could still go after it and take it if I had to. I feel like I’ve worked very hard, and everything has been a part of the plan. This has been a six-year plan, ever since moving to Texas.
Gabby Thomas said after the race

Thomas’ victory adds to the US team’s success on the track, following Noah Lyles‘ win in the men’s 100 meters. She also has a chance for another medal in the 4×100 relay team, which could be in the final on Saturday.

Thomas’ win is the culmination of a six-year plan, which included earning a degree from Harvard and a Master’s from the University of Texas, while also focusing on her track training. She described the feeling as “unbelievable” and “indescribable.”

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Gabby Thomas’ replicates Allyson Felix’s feat

Gabby Thomas’ reaction to winning the gold medal in the 200-meter final at the Olympic Games has taken the internet by storm. The 27-year-old American sprinter was overcome with emotion after crossing the finish line, putting her hands on her head and closing her eyes in awe.

Thomas’ emotional response was widely shared on social media, with hundreds of thousands of views. Her moment of triumph and disbelief resonated with fans and fellow athletes alike, making her name trend online.

The viral moment capped off an incredible achievement for Thomas, who became the first American woman to win gold in the 200-meter final since Allyson Felix in the 2012 London Games. In addition to Thomas’ gold grab in the event, her compatriot Brittany Brown (bronze) also managed a podium finish.

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