Gabby Thomas: A Jamaican Homecoming at the Grand Slam Track
“Everyone knows that I am Jamaican because I do believe that that’s where I get my fast roots from.” Gabby Thomas has always been straightforward about her Jamaican heritage. This week, as she returned to Jamaica for the Grand Slam Track event, the excitement must have been palpable. But beyond the thrill of competition, there was a sense of nostalgia—a homecoming that surely eased her nerves. Yet, this time, Gabby is not just racing; she’s spicing things up on the track. What could that mean?
Just before her trip, Gabby shared her enthusiasm on social media, saying, “@grandslamtrack here I come.” Last year, she praised the vision behind this event, expressing her eagerness to showcase her talent to millions of track fans worldwide. It’s clear that she’s ready to unveil a new side of herself on the track.
At the pre-event Grand Slam Track conference, Gabby was asked about her decision to shift from shorter sprints to longer distances. “It was actually a very tough decision for me to make,” she admitted. “I think I’m doing the long sprints because it’s an opportunity for me to compete with the greatest.” Competing against top-tier 400-meter runners is no small feat, but Gabby sees it as great preparation for her future.
On the first two days of the event at Kingston’s National Stadium, Gabby will be running both the 200m and 400m races. While her prowess in the 200m is well-known—she is the Olympic champion in that distance—the 400m is a surprising twist. Gabby hinted at her ambitions, saying, “I think a lot of people do see me as a 400-meter sprinter, so I’m going to train for it and see what happens.”
Interestingly, Gabby’s last 400m race was in April 2024, where she finished first at the LSU Alumni Gold meet. However, that was her only 400m race that season, a stark contrast to her more frequent appearances in 2023. Fans are understandably concerned about her readiness for this distance, especially after her recent performance at the Texas Relays, where she participated in a 4x400m relay but didn’t lead her team to victory. With fierce competitors like Marileidy Paulino and Nickisha Pryce in the mix, the stakes are high.
In the pre-event press conference, Gabby was also asked about her Jamaican roots. “Does this feel like a home meet?” a reporter inquired. “It does,” she replied, beaming. “I have a lot of people showing up for me here on the island, and obviously, the fan base is incredible.” With family members, including her dad and grandpa, cheering her on, it’s no wonder she feels at home.
For those who may not know, Gabby’s connection to Jamaica runs deep. Her grandfather lives in Jamaica, and her father, though raised elsewhere, instilled a love for Jamaican culture in her. “He made sure that I was proud to be Jamaican,” Gabby shared, highlighting the importance of her heritage.
As Gabby prepares for her Grand Slam Track debut, the excitement is building. With a mix of personal history, a new racing strategy, and the support of her Jamaican family, she’s ready to make waves on the track. Will this homecoming be the catalyst for her success in the longer distances? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Gabby Thomas is ready to shine in Jamaica!