"It's intense, it's hot" - Gabby Thomas credits University of Texas' training for her Olympic success

Five-time Olympic medalist Gabby Thomas recently reflected on her intense preparations for the Paris Olympics which she had in the sweltering Texas heat. She shared insights into her training during her presence at the ESPN College GameDay.

The 27-year-old scripted history at the Paris Olympics this year by upgrading both her 200m bronze and the 4x100m relay silver from the Tokyo Olympics into gold while adding one more to her name in the 4x400m relay. Her 200m gold victory marked the first win for the United States in the event after 12 years, last won by the legendary Allyson Felix at the 2012 London Games. As part of the 4x400m relay team, the US quartet clocked the second-fastest time in the world, creating the new American record after clocking 3:15.27 seconds.

A portion of her success at the Paris Olympics can be credited to coach and former Olympic medalist Tonja Buford-Bailey, who played a key role in her preparation for the big stage. Thomas spent most of her time training under Buford-Bailey at the Buford Bailey Track Club in Austin, Texas.

In her recent appearance during the matchup between Georgia Bulldogs versus Texas Longhorns, Gabby Thomas reflected on her training in the Texas heat. She stated that it posed a challenge but she also emphasized that being a part of this environment has played a crucial role in her track success.

"The training in Texas is really challenging; it's intense; it is hot, but being a part of this atmosphere and this environment has really gotten me where I'm today." Thomas said. (via her Instagram stories)

Thomas' Instagram Story

Tonja Buford-Bailey reflects on training an athlete of Gabby Thomas' caliber - "I love having an athlete that doesn't take this too seriously"

Gabby Thomas pictured at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 - Athletics - (Source: Getty)

Following Gabby Thomas' 200m gold in Paris, Tonja Buford-Bailey heaped praise on her and noted that Thomas' calm demeanor before every race sets her apart and makes her truly special.

"What makes her special, I love having an athlete that just doesn't take this too seriously and is just able to keep herself calm. We were just laughing it up in the warm-up area right before [the race]." (via Time)

In contrast, the Harvard graduate noted that she did not realize that she had won the race until she crossed the finish line and looked around.

"It’s the most bizarre feeling when you get into a flow and you get into that kind of energy where nothing matters but the finish line. I did not expect to feel how I felt when I crossed that line," she added.

Following a successful 2024 season, Gabby Thomas wrapped up her campaign at the Athlos NYC in September.