"You are capable of far more than you can imagine"- Gabby Thomas shares inspirational message for young kids as she wins Athlete of the Year award

Gabby Thomas shared an inspirational message to the younger generation during her speech after winning the USTAF Athlete of the Year award. The American sprinter spent her 28th birthday attending the USATF award night on Saturday, December 7.

Thomas made waves in the French capital, winning three golds in the 200m, 4x100m, and 4x400 relay events. She walked home as the most decorated US track athlete from the Paris Olympics 2024. Her momentum continued at the Athlos NYC, winning the 200m silver behind eventual champion Brittany Brown.

Gabby lost the World Athlete of the Year award to Saint Lucian 100m Olympic champion Julien Alfred and 400m hurdles world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. However, she received the 43rd annual Jackie Joyner-Kersee Female Athlete of the Year award from USATF in honor of her triple gold medal win.

On Saturday, December 7, as the five-time Olympic medalist celebrated her birthday, she also addressed the crowd with an inspirational speech after receiving the USATF honor.

"Girls and boys who might be watching, believe in yourself. When I was younger, I had big dreams too. Dreams that oftentimes scared me because they felt like they were too far away. But here's what I want you to know. You are capable of far more than you can imagine. The world will try to tell you to be realistic, or to do things a certain way, or that certain things are not meant for you. Don't listen. Your dreams, no matter how big they are, are valid," Gabby Thomas said.

Urging the people to push themselves and improve, Thomas further added:

"Dreaming big means stepping outside of your comfort zone. It means working hard even when nobody is watching, and believing in yourself even when it feels hard. Some days you might feel like giving up, and that's okay. Rest if you need to, but never stop. And remember, your dreams can inspire others one day. So don't hold back. Be bold. Be brave. And dream big."

Thomas recently stepped down in New York City to attend the Footwear News Achievement Awards, presenting the Company of the Year award to New Balance.

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Gabby Thomas celebrated her birthday with the iconic song featuring Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Gabby Thomas and Jackie Joyner-Kersee; All sources - Getty

Donning a black sequined dress, Gabby Thomas took the stage to receive the USATF Athlete of the Year trophy. And after returning to her room for celebrations, she held it beside her birthday cake and shot a reel with Childish Gambino's 'Do Ya Like', the lyrics of which sat well with the occasion.

"I love fast women, Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Have your cake and eat it, baby, it's your birthday."

Her video caption read:

"POV: You just won the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Athlete of the Year Award on your birthday."

Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the legendary athlete who specialized in the heptathlon and long jump, has three Olympic gold medals in her repertoire. Her world record in the heptathlon still stands untouched.