The Pursuit of Purpose: Gabby Thomas On How To Block Out External Critics, Curate Your Internal Dialogue & Define Success On Your Own Terms

How do you transition from the world’s most promising talent to a triple Olympic gold medalist while balancing a Master’s? For Gabby Thomas, the path to Paris was paved with a refined commitment to her own longevity. After the intense physical toll of the Tokyo cycle and the subsequent seasons of high-stakes racing, Gabby opens up about the essential "choice to choose me"—the deliberate decision to prioritize her health, recovery, and mental wellness over the external pressure to constantly perform.

This shift wasn't just about physical rest; it was about building a sustainable foundation that allowed her to walk onto the track in Paris with a sense of calm that only comes from knowing your "why."

That intentionality resulted in a career-defining performance in 2024. Thomas cemented her status as the fastest woman in the world over 200 meters, taking home the individual gold in Paris along with two additional gold medals as a dominant force in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays. On this week's episode, we dive into how she manages the "mental load" of being a champion, the data-driven approach she takes to her health, and why her purpose in public health remains the north star for everything she does on the track.

IN THIS EPISODE

• The emotional high of winning individual gold in Paris
• Juggling Ivy League academics with elite track and field training
• Why she pursued a Master’s in public health and how it shapes her worldview
• Her "I’m choosing me first" mantra regarding health and recovery
• The evolution of her mental toolkit and handling Olympic-level pressure
• Her partnership with Amazfit and the role of data in her wellness routine
• Looking ahead: Goals and dreams for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

QUOTABLE MOMENTS

On Purpose and Perspective

• "It’s bigger than me. It’s about my purpose and what I want to show the younger generation."
• "Success is not defined by the speed at which you reach your goals."

On Mental Health and Longevity

• "I'm choosing me first. Health and longevity beat pressure and headlines every time."
• "If you get caught up in needing to prove you belong, you've already lost the plot."

On Resilience

• "Setbacks and rejections are all part of the journey and present valuable learning opportunities."
• "My bronze in Tokyo was a testament to resilience after a year of personal setbacks."

SOCIAL
@gabbythomas
@emilyabbate
@iheartwomenssports

JOIN: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Daily Hurdle IG Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

SIGN UP: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Weekly Hurdle Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

ASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us to with your questions! Emily answers them every Friday on the show. 

Listen to Hurdle with Emily Abbate on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.