"I can’t cheat 4 years of hard work" - Gabby Thomas weighs in on authenticity of athletes on social media amid boom in AI

38th Annual Footwear News Achievement Awards - Source: Getty
Gabby Thomas attends the 38th Annual Footwear News Achievement Awards in New York City. (Photo by Getty Images)

Gabby Thomas offered a refreshing perspective on the authenticity of athletes on social media. With an increase in AI-generated content, Thomas claimed that true athletic success cannot be faked.

Thomas made waves after achieving three-peat success at the 2024 Paris Games, including the women's 200m, 4x100m, and 4x400m relay races. She dominated the 200m event after posting a staggering time of 21.83 seconds to defeat 100m champion Julien Alfred and fellow teammate Brittany Brown.

Following her feat, Thomas crossed the finish line overwhelmed with joy. Soaking in the moment, she was on the verge of tears as she celebrated her hard-earned victory. In an interview with Vogue, the two-time Olympian, emphasized the authenticity and reality of athletic moments.

Thomas explained that success in sports cannot be faked or achieved through shortcuts, stating the moments reflect the athletes' hard work as opposed to the artificial and edited nature of representations seen on social media.

“There’s so much truth in what we do,” Thomas said. "On the track, I can’t cheat four years of hard work and commitment—otherwise I wouldn’t be there. You show up every day, and you work. And win or lose, the emotions that come—you can’t fake that, either.”

Gabby Thomas reflects on her evolving journey in fashion

Gabby Thomas of the United States during the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. (Photo via Getty Images)
Gabby Thomas of the United States during the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. (Photo via Getty Images)

Following her prestigious feats at the Paris Games, Gabby Thomas has been turning heads in the fashion world. She debuted in the 2025 SI Swimsuit Issue, donning a mustard yellow one-piece.

The Olympian also appeared at the 38th Annual Footwear News Achievement Awards, sporting a chic black blazer with a short skirt, pairing it with socks, shoes, and minimal jewelry.

She also attended the Carolina Herrera show during her first New York Fashion Week experience last year, where she styled the look by herself. In the same interview, Thomas claimed she is discovering her style and becoming more poised.

"I’ve been so in athlete-world, I feel like I’m just starting to get a sense of what I like. Not that I don’t have my own style. I do, but then I put on something like that white Carolina Herrera dress that I wore to the show, and it’s like, Oh, oh-kaay. Since then I’ve been doing more ‘pretty’ looks. And more polished. Same with the hair and makeup, I’m growing with that too."

Gabby Thomas recently modeled for Vogue Winter Issue 2025.

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Edited by Samya Majumdar
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