Podcast Summary: The Squeeze – Episode: Gabby Thomas: Staying on Track

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Squeeze
• Host: Taylor Lautner
• Episode: Gabby Thomas: Staying on Track
• Release Date: August 13, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Squeeze, host Taylor Lautner engages in an in-depth conversation with Gabby Thomas, a renowned professional sprinter and gold medalist. The discussion delves into Gabby's athletic journey, the mental and emotional challenges she has faced, and her advocacy for mental health and women's sports.

Early Challenges: Dealing with Stalkers

Gabby opens the conversation by sharing her unsettling experiences with unwanted attention and stalking:

[00:14] Gabby Thomas: "A group of strange men has been following me wherever I travel. Stalker. Like showing up at the airport."

She recounts incidents where individuals purchased dummy plane tickets to surveil her, leading to heightened anxiety during her travels.

[00:59] Gabby Thomas: "They bought dummy plane tickets so they could follow us into the boarding area."

Gabby emphasizes the invasive nature of such actions and the entitlement some individuals feel, which not only threatens her sense of security but also affects her mental well-being.

From Atlanta to Massachusetts: Introduction to Track and Field

Originally from Atlanta, Gabby moved to Western Massachusetts, where her athletic journey took a pivotal turn. Introduced to track and field at the age of 12—more by her mother's encouragement than her own interest—she initially found the sport unappealing.

[05:53] Gabby Thomas: "I had this idea of track and field is just running, which, to a kid, that sounds really boring."

Over time, particularly during her junior year of high school, Gabby began to "fall in love with the process of getting better" and embraced the discipline and resilience that track demanded.

Academic Pursuits at Harvard: Balancing Neurobiology and Athletics

Gabby's ambition extended beyond athletics. She pursued a major in neurobiology at Harvard, driven by a desire to understand and improve societal support for her neurodivergent brothers.

[10:35] Gabby Thomas: "I wanted to do research and figure out how as society, we can make it a better place for those learning styles."

Balancing the rigorous demands of a neurobiology degree with Division I track athletics proved challenging. Gabby considered quitting track during her freshman year but ultimately persevered by "reframing sacrifices as opportunities."

[12:20] Gabby Thomas: "I didn't think about going to the track as a sacrifice but more as an opportunity."

Transition to Professional Running: Embracing Opportunities

After a standout junior year at Harvard, where Gabby won the NCAA championship and set a collegiate record, her athletic prospects expanded dramatically. She recognized the potential to compete professionally and even aim for the Olympic team.

[24:05] Gabby Thomas: "I just knew there was an opportunity to run professionally."

Joining the Beeford Bailey Track Club in Texas, Gabby sought an environment conducive to elite training. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to the postponement of the Olympic trials, instilling uncertainty about her athletic future.

Health Scare: Discovering a Liver Tumor

During routine testing for a hamstring injury, Gabby discovered a mass on her liver. This alarming diagnosis triggered intense stress and fear, compounded by the uncertainty surrounding the delayed Olympics.

[31:14] Gabby Thomas: "I know how long and hard I had worked for that... thankfully, everything did end up being fine."

The six-week ordeal, which included further imaging and biopsies, underscored the fragility of health and the importance of mental resilience.

Tokyo Olympics: Triumphs and the Aftermath

Competing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Gabby secured a bronze in the 200 meters and a silver in the 4x100 relay. The experience was a blend of ecstasy and unexpected emotional exhaustion upon returning home.

[35:00] Gabby Thomas: "I felt so drained emotionally and mentally."

The post-Olympic phase brought a mental crash, as the high of competing was followed by overwhelming media attention and personal pressure.

Coping with Burnout: Strategies and Reflections

Gabby discusses the mental toll of her athletic career and the strategies she employs to maintain balance:

• Meditation: A pre-race ritual introduced in college, helping her achieve focus and calmness.

  [53:21] Gabby Thomas: "The only pre-race ritual that I have is meditation."

• Time Management: Mentally blocking out free time to ensure rest and recovery, despite not relying heavily on physical calendars.

• Reframing Mindset: Viewing challenges as opportunities rather than sacrifices.

Gabby emphasizes the importance of resilience and self-compassion in overcoming setbacks and maintaining mental health.

[17:29] Gabby Thomas: "Chop wood, carry water... keep doing the things that got you to where you are."

Dealing with Online Harassment: Protecting Mental Well-being

Gabby addresses her experiences with online backlash, particularly relating to fan interactions and autograph requests. She differentiates between genuine fans and those who harass, advocating for setting healthy boundaries on social media.

[69:16] Gabby Thomas: "Nobody who is on your level or doing better will ever give you negative criticism like that."

Gabby encourages maintaining a healthy relationship with the internet by understanding that online negativity often stems from the individuals' own insecurities rather than her actions.

Founding Athlos: Pioneering a Women's Track League

In a bid to revolutionize women's track and field, Gabby co-founded Athlos, a new professional league aimed at providing regular competition and visibility for female athletes.

[70:23] Gabby Thomas: "Athlos will be that... it's a great opportunity for fans to know when and where we're competing."

Collaborating with fellow athletes Sha' Carri Richardson and Tara Davis, Athlos seeks to create a yearly platform for women’s track, reducing reliance on the quadrennial Olympic cycle.

Advice for Young Athletes: Embracing Individuality and Rest

Gabby offers valuable insights for aspiring athletes:

1. Avoid Comparisons: Focus on personal growth rather than measuring against others.

   [55:16] Gabby Thomas: "Comparison is a thief of joy... do your own thing and focus on your journey."

2. Prioritize Rest and Recovery: Integral to both physical performance and mental health.

   [55:16] Gabby Thomas: "Rest and recovery... it's non-negotiable."

Conclusion: A Role Model of Resilience and Humility

Reflecting on her journey, Gabby expresses pride in her ability to remain humble and serve as a positive role model. She acknowledges the multifaceted nature of her life, balancing athletics, academics, and personal growth.

[73:27] Gabby Thomas: "I'm really proud of how I've handled everything and how I treat people along the way."

Gabby's story is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of balance—qualities that resonate deeply with listeners navigating their own life's challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• Gabby Thomas [07:12]: "Track is a sport where you really get what you put into it."
• Gabby Thomas [12:21]: "It was really intense... I didn't realize I was signing up for a track program that competed and trained like every other D1 program."
• Gabby Thomas [30:33]: "I'm gonna put my head down and keep training really hard as if there's an Olympics."
• Gabby Thomas [53:25]: "Meditation... helps me be laser focused."
• Gabby Thomas [55:16]: "Comparison is a thief of joy... prioritize rest and recovery."

Takeaways

• Mental Health Matters: Balancing high-performance athletics with academic and personal life requires robust mental health strategies.
• Resilience is Key: Overcoming setbacks, whether health-related or emotional, is essential for sustained success.
• Advocacy for Women’s Sports: Initiatives like Athlos aim to provide consistent platforms for women athletes, enhancing visibility and opportunities.
• Community Support: Sharing experiences and seeking support can mitigate feelings of isolation and stress.

Listeners gain profound insights into the life of a professional athlete beyond the track, highlighting the universal struggles and triumphs related to mental health and personal growth.