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Gabby Thomas is a phenomenal sprinter on the track and just as good a friend away from it. Recently, the American showed support to training partner and close friend Morolake Akinosun, as the latter announced her retirement from track and field while thanking the American for her encouragement over the years.
Akinosun is a Nigerian-American sprinter who has represented the US in multiple global competitions over the years. In 2016, she was crowned Olympic champion in the 4x100m relay and followed it up with a World Championships title in the same event a year later.
Two days ago, Akinosun announced that she would be hanging up her spikes and stepping away from the track for good. She later revealed that she will be joining Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam League as the Head of Athlete Relations.
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As she moved on to this new phase of her career, Akinosun thanked her friends, family, and training partners, and wrote:
“To my teammates and training partners - thank you. Thank you. For pushing me, challenging me, suffering with me, laughing with me, cheering for me. I couldn't have done it without you.”
Akinosun gave a special shout-out to Gabby Thomas in her announcement,
“To Gabrielle Thomas - you made me work harder on the track than I ever had in my entire life. We would've been friends no matter where we met, but I'm glad it was the track.”
Thomas reacted in kind, taking to her Instagram story to show support and love for her long-time friend.
“My girl is going to crush it at GST and in life. Proud is an understatement.”
Morokale Akinosun extends wishes to Gabby Thomas for her Olympic victory
Gabby Thomas had an incredible start to her campaign at the Paris Olympics, and Morokale Akinosun was quick to express her happiness at her friend's success. Thomas sailed through her 200m heats before going on to clinch the Olympic gold in the event with a time of 21.83s.
Celebrating the American's success, Akinosun took to X to write,
“GABRIELLE THOMAS, OLYMPIC CHAMPION!!!! Cried real tears watching this one! I’m so proud of you.”
Aside from her 200m gold, Gabby Thomas garnered two other gold medals at the 2024 Games. She was a part of both the 4x100m and the 4x400m American relay teams, clinching the win in each event.
