"This is bigger than myself" - Gabby Thomas weighs in on how Athlos NYC can cause a revolution in women's sports ahead of her participation

Gabby Thomas spoke about her decision to compete in the inaugural edition of Athlos NYC. The American athlete will be making her first track appearance after winning three gold medals at the Paris Olympics and this comes in the meet that is the brainchild of Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian, who aims to bring about a monumental change in women's sports.

Thomas opted out of the Diamond League events that were scheduled right after the Paris Olympics and announced that she would be making her final track appearance of the year at Athlos NYC at the Icahn Stadium in New York. The event is an all-women's track meet and will feature six events, namely, the 100m, 100m hurdles, 200m 400m, 800m and the 1500m.

The track meet received a Silver Status accreditation by World Athletics and is a part of the World Athletics Continental Tour. The event is organized with a fan-focused approach and will feature performances from Megan Thee Stallion along with a lucrative prize pool with the winner taking home $60,000, the silver medalist winning $20,000 and the bronze medalist taking home $10,000.

The 27-year-old stressed the importance of the meet as well as felt grateful to be part of an event that aims to bring about a positive change in women's sports.

"This is bigger than myself and it’s bigger than this race. It’s bigger than just the six of us lining up. It’s really about what we’re doing for women’s sports. What this event particularly means for women's sports and track and field," she said.

Furthermore, she expressed her excitement to return to the track after winning three medals at the Paris Olympics.

Gabby Thomas on dealing with expectations as she competes at Athlos NYC

Gabby Thomas at the Paris Olympic Games 2024 - Source: Getty

Gabby Thomas spoke about dealing with expectations while competing after achieving profound success at the Paris Olympics. The American athlete spoke about her mindset while racing in high-pressure situations and said:

"While I'm racing I'm in the zone, it is a flow state. I let all the training do the work, my muscles know what to do. My mind knows what to do. Being deemed one of the fastest women on the planet is very surreal to me. Not something that I ever imagined for myself. Athlos definitely feels like an event where we finally as female athletes have some ownership, have some say. We have a big part in its creation. I'm excited!"

Gabby Thomas will be competing in the 200m against Brittany Brown, Torrie Lewis, Tamara Clark, Anavia Battle and Jenna Prandini.