Gabby Thomas drops four-word response as NCAA star Parker Valby signs with New Balance

Gabby Thomas welcomed long-distance runner Parker Valby to the New Balance team after the latter signed a professional contract with one of the world's major sports footwear and apparel manufacturers. Valby competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics, fresh off her success at the NCAA level.

Thomas, who won three golds in the 200m, 4x100m, and 4x400m relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics, forwent her last year of eligibility in 2018 to pursue a professional track career. With 22 conference titles in her repertoire, Thomas was signed by New Balance in a multi-million endorsement contract the same year. She joined the likes of Vernon Norwood and Trayvon Bromell on Team New Balance, starting her journey with New Balance Vazee Sigma and the Vazee Verge pairs.

Fast forward to 2024, she has welcomed another NCAA standout and Paris Olympics participant, Parker Valby, to the New Balance family, as per her Instagram story.

"Welcome to the family @parkervalby !!!" her caption read.

Gabby Thomas lauds Parker Valby for joining New Balance family; Instagram - @parkervalby

Valby, the current NCAA record holder for the indoor 5000m, outdoor 5000m, and outdoor 10000m, signed with the sports apparel and shoe brand on October 17, 2024. She will be coached by Mark Coogan as part of Team New Balance based in Boston.

The six-time NCAA champion finished fourth in the 5000m at the 2024 US Olympic trials, missing out on a spot in the final roster. However, Valby earned the 10000m qualification for Paris, where she clocked 30:59.28 to finish eleventh.

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Gabby Thomas received heartwarming note from New Balance after her Paris Olympic win

Gabby Thomas running the 4x100m relay at the Olympic Games-Paris 2024 - Source: Getty

Thomas won the 200m bronze medal behind Jamaican icon Elaine Thompson-Herah at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In Paris, she made up for her loss by winning the gold in the same event, ahead of 100m champion Julien Alfred. Thomas ran her debut gold-winning race wearing the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp MD-X v3 spike.

Pete Riley, the Head of Running Sports Marketing at New Balance, hailed the 27-year-old for her Olympic success.

"We are beyond thrilled for Gabby winning gold in the 200m here in Paris. Gabby has proven to be a world class athlete and competitor among her many other accomplishments off the track. We’re so proud of her performance tonight and that she’s a part of the New Balance family," said Riley (via Kicks on SI).

Gabby Thomas recently competed in the 200m at the 2024 Athlos NYC, but finished behind Brittany Brown.