Gabby Thomas reveals "delusional" part of being a pro athlete

Gabby Thomas has had her say on what she feels is an important part of being an athlete. During her appearance on Kate Mackz's YouTube channel, the three-time Olympic gold medal spoke about her self-belief and more.

Thomas covered a number of topics during the interview. While reflecting on what she feels is vital for all pro athletes, she said:

“I think honestly part of being a pro athlete is being, like, a little bit delusional because you have to genuinely believe that you're better than everyone else.” [onwards 2:55]

You can check out the video titled, 2 Miles with Olympic Sprinter Gabby Thomas below:

Gabby Thomas has three Olympic gold medals, one silver medal, and one bronze medal to her name. In additon, she also won one gold and one silver medal at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest. She is regarded as one of the top sprinters, especially in the 200m.

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Gabby Thomas reveals her philosophy and mentality before races

Gabby Thomas at the The Olympic Games-Paris 2024 - Source: Getty

Gabby Thomas also shed light on how she prepares her mental makeup ahead of her races. Thomas considers focusing on her own self and makes sure not to let her concentration flicker.

She revealed about her thought process as she appeared on the How To Run Faster - By Performance Lab channel.

“I didn’t see any of my competitors. I was so focused on executing my own race until right before the finish line. I actually haven’t even told anyone this, but I spent the last week just writing over and over to myself, ‘I will be Olympic champion.’ Maybe 500 times, I wrote it down. Over and over again to drill it in my head. In my notes, on my phone, and I just did it over and over again.”

She added:

“Everyday, I woke up and I did that and I envisioned the race and then I went about my day. To believe it, you have to make yourself believe it, even if you trick yourself into believing it. In my head it had already happened. I had envisioned the race so many times that it was already my reality in my brain... I know what it was like for me when I was younger, watching these women and feeling like I could do that too.”

Thomas,while sharing her mindset, also mentioning how she had already visualized herself being the Olympic champion ahead of her races in Paris last year.

After a successful 2024, Thomas will have her sights set on continuing her stellar run of form this year. The 28-year-old is currently preparing for the start of the new track and field season.