Building Resilience for Life--On and Off the Track

Published July 24, 2024

“Each day, you make a decision that you belong there. And eventually, you do.”

Synonymous with speed and determination, Gabrielle "Gabby" Thomas isn't just set out to win an Olympic gold medal. She aspires to lead a hospital someday. Her journey from a reluctant middle school track athlete to an Olympian epitomizes resilience and her ability to stride forward through life’s highs and lows. 

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Image credit: Adapted from '00115719' by jenaragon94. https://flickr.com/photos/37695693@N05/51919418015 License: CC-BY 2.0

Growing up, Gabby Thomas never expected to become a professional track athlete. Initially focused on running at Harvard and studying neurobiology, she was named Ivy League’s “Most Outstanding Track Performer” in 2017 and 2018, breaking the NCAA record in the 200 meters. In 2021, she stunned the world by winning the U.S. Championship in the 200 meters with a record-setting time of 21.62 seconds—a pinnacle moment in her life. Balancing academics, athletics, and life at Harvard though brought significant challenges, leading her to the brink of academic failure and poor performance on the track.  

Facing the pressures of performance

Gabby’s story illustrates not only her physical and mental hard-work but also her resilience in elite spaces where psychological safety, as Harvard Business School Professor Amy Edmondson’s research highlights, is crucial. In her course Innovations in Teamwork in Healthcare, Edmondson emphasizes that overcoming fear is essential for fostering an environment where individuals and team members feel accepted and empowered to take interpersonal risks, a foundation for achieving peak performance–whether on the field or at work. 

Meet Gabby

Gabby Thomas, originally from Georgia and Massachusetts, stands among the world’s elite sprinters. She won the Olympic bronze medal in the 200 meter at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and multiple U.S. Championships. She graduated from Harvard College with a degree in neurobiology and went on to earn a master’s degree in public health and epidemiology from the University of Texas in 2023. Gabby’s impact goes beyond the track and classroom, marked by endorsements and partnerships, a commitment to women in the sport, and for younger generations of athletes. 

Staying on track

Gabby’s journey illustrates the importance of perseverance, in both personal and professional pursuits. During her freshman year at Harvard, Gabby faced a setback—a potential failure in an introductory life sciences course. Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of academics and athletics, it was a supportive professor's encouragement that helped her believe in her abilities. Moreover, she learned the importance of recharging and finding balance in her daily life. Gabby not only passed the course but graduated on time. 

Crossing the finish line

Her story embodies resilience, balancing rigorous academics with competitive sports, facing fears, and sharing about our vulnerabilities with others. In Building Personal Resilience: Managing Anxiety and Mental Health, Harvard Medical School faculty Dr. Luana Marques shares ways to overcome our fears and manage stressful moments. She explains, “I like to think of resilience as mental strength. We build mental strength in the same way we build physical strength by exercising.”  

For Gabby, every obstacle turns into an opportunity for growth. For her, to cross the finish line–win or lose–takes preparation, dedication, and learning from both our wins and losses. Her passion and love for what she does reminds us that true success transcends the medals and records. It's about the joy we carry, the projects we pursue, the authentic relationships we build, and the positive difference we make in the lives of others. As she stated in a commencement speech: 

“The beauty of it all is that there are so many races to be run. So many challenges to be tackled. So many people that need help. So many ways to get involved.” 

As she continues to pursue her passions both on and off the track, Gabby’s hard-work and kindness make her a role model for not only aspiring athletes, scholars, and professionals alike, but for younger girls to aim high and stride forward. In her words, “Each day, you make a decision that you belong there. And eventually you do.” 

If you’re looking forward to seeing Gabby at the Paris Games, here’s the schedule for the 2024 Women’s 200 meter track event. We’ll be cheering Gabby on!

• Preliminary round: Sunday, Aug 4, 2024
• *Final round: Tuesday, Aug 6, 2024
  
  *Gabby won the gold medal in the 200 meter women's race with a time of 21.83 seconds. 

References: 
Gabby Thomas: The U.S. track star with a bigger goal beyond Olympic medals
Gabby Thomas Is Chasing Olympic Gold and a Career in Public Health--at the Same Time