"No room for error" - Gabby Thomas explains difference between running 4x100m and 4x400m after winning both events at Paris Olympics 

Gabby Thomas explained the difference between running in the 4x100m relay race and the 4x400m relay race. The American sprinter competed in both events for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning gold medals in both events.

While Thomas didn't produce the fast times she is known for in the 2024 season, she was at her clinical best, running fast enough to cross the finish line first. The 28-year-old competed in the women's 200m at the Olympics, running 21.83s for her maiden gold medal before taking on the relay events.

She ran the third leg for Team USA during both events and barring a late baton exchange with Sha'Carri Richardson in the 4x100m relay finals, Thomas produced clinical performances to become a three-time Olympic champion.

The 27-year-old recently explained the differences between running the two distances and claimed 4x100m was tougher with no room for errors. Speaking with Morolake Akinosun of Grand Slam Track, she said:

"The biggest difference is that in 4x100 there is no room for error. So you are very on top of it, very disciplined, and in the 4x400m, it's all about mental grit. But you have a little bit of room for error."

Thomas was paired with 100m specialists Sha'Carri Richardson, Twanisha Terry, and Melissa Jefferson for the 4x100m relay. They clocked 41.78s for the win with Great Britain finishing just behind in 41.85s.

The 27-year-old competed alongside Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Alexis Holmes, and Shamier Little to win an eighth consecutive women's 4x400m relay Olympic title for Team USA. They won the gold in a North American record of 3:15.27, a staggering four seconds ahead of the Netherlands, who won silver.

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Gabby Thomas shares plans for the 2025 season after signing with Grand Slam Track

Athletics - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Gabby Thomas in action (Source: Getty)

Gabby Thomas recently signed with Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track for its debut season in 2025. While the events she would be competing in weren't announced, the three-time Olympic gold medalist is expected to be a part of the short sprints category of 100m-200m.

Speaking in the above-mentioned video, Thomas was asked by Morolake Akinosun about what she would like her 2025 season to be like, and the Harvard graduate replied:

"Fun. I want to have fun with next year"

Thomas, who is predominantly a short-sprint runner, will further look to win her maiden 200m title at the World Championships. The 27-year-old has two world medals to her name, a silver in 200m and a gold in 4x100m relay, from the 2023 Championships.