Gabby Thomas Wins Gold in 200m Race at 2024 Paris Olympics
Gabby Thomas, an American track and field athlete, has made history by winning the gold medal in the women’s 200m race at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This is her first Olympic medal, and she achieved it with a remarkable time of 21.83 seconds.
Thomas, who came in first place on Tuesday, August 6, beat her opponents to take home the coveted gold medal. St. Lucia’s Julien Alfred earned second place, adding the silver medal to her growing collection. On Sunday, August 4, Alfred won gold in the women’s 100m dash, and Brittany Brown, also on Team USA, rounded out the 200m podium for third place.
In an emotional interview, Thomas explained that she never would have imagined winning an Olympic gold medal. "You prepare for this moment and train so hard for this moment, but when it actually comes, it’s indescribable," she said. "I’m still wrapping my head around that."
Thomas’s gold medal win is not the only highlight of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The track and field competition has brought many firsts, including Dominica’s first-ever gold medal won by Thea LaFond in the triple jump.
LaFond, who set a record of 15.02 meters in the triple jump, praised her teammates and supporters. "They deserve this as much as I do," she said. "And I hope they are partying enough for the both of us."
The 2024 Paris Olympics will continue through next weekend, with a closing date of August 11. As of Wednesday morning, Team USA has accumulated 88 total medals, including 24 gold, 32 silver, and 32 bronze. They are leading the scoreboard against other represented countries.
Notable wins include Sha’Carri Richardson earning the silver medal in the 100-meter final, Simone Biles winning multiple record-breaking medals, Melissa Jefferson winning bronze in the 100-meter race, and Noah Lyles taking gold in the men’s 100-meter dash by 0.005 seconds.
Fans can watch Gabby Thomas win the gold medal and more at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Peacock and on NBC.