Gabby Thomas talks about importance of "teaching kids to lose", says she is open to becoming a mother someday

Gabby Thomas recently shared her thoughts on the idea of becoming a mother. Notably, Thomas enjoyed a successful 2024 track and field season, which has increased her popularity.

Thomas is also recognized for her academic achievements, having earned an undergraduate degree in neurobiology and global health from Harvard University and a master's degree in public health with a focus on epidemiology from the University of Texas.

Thomas often credits her academic and athletic achievements to her mother, Jennifer Randall, who not only encouraged her to pursue a track and field career but also inspired her to find a balance between her education and athletic pursuits.

In a recent appearance on the 'Why Not Me? with Mike Jackson podcast', Thomas shared her thoughts on children receiving participation trophies for showing up in competitions. There, she also spoke on how it is essential to teach kids to lose, stating (15:17 onwards):

“I don't think there's a place for them [participation trophies] in sport…I think it is so important to teach kids to lose and to be okay with that yes and not everyone deserves a trophy not everyone earned a trophy yeah and there's nothing wrong with that… I'm just worried about the entitlement of having to receive something just because you go out there and tried. You know, the real world that shouldn't exist right and that’s okay.”

Subsequently, the host promptly inquired about her desire to have children. Gabby Thomas reacted by saying that she is open to motherhood:

“Absolutely,” Thomas said.

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“She was the best role model that I could have ever imagined”- Gabby Thomas on her mother inspiring her

In Picture: Gabby Thomas at Paris Olympics (Photo via Getty Images)

Following three gold medal wins at the Paris Olympics, Gabby Thomas spoke about her mother being the ‘best’ role model for her. Randall is a professor at the University of Michigan, holding a doctoral degree from Emory University as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Duke University. In an interview with the Daily Show, she said (2:10 onwards):

“I mean, my mom has believed in me since I've been born. I grew up with a single mom. I grew up with her and my twin brother. And she has done everything for us…And so I've watched her my entire life work really hard for something and to make her dream happen. She's always instilled in me the importance of not only education, but going after your dreams and giving back to your community. And so she was the best role model that I could have ever imagined having.”

It is worth noting that Thomas' mother Randall and father, Desmond Thomas, divorced. However, Gabby and Desmond are still in touch, with Thomas describing the latter as a ‘great guy’ during the ‘Why Not Me? with Mike Jackson podcast’.