Olympic Champion Gabby Thomas Eyes Sub-22 200m Challenge at Absa Kip Keino Classic
Three-time Olympic champion Gabby Thomas may not have come to Kenya for the Absa Kip Keino Classic with history in mind. But that quickly changed when she learned that no woman has ever run under 22-seconds in the 200m on Kenyan soil.
Presented with the statistic during the pre-race press conference for the Kip Keino Classic on Thursday, the Olympic champion, who will be racing both the 100m and 200m in Nairobi, embraced the challenge.
"I’m surprised to hear that, and I would love to be the first athlete to do that," she said. "If the conditions are nice, then it would be something great because I'll be doing a double here."
Thomas’ arrival in the Kenyan capital followed a dominant performance at the inaugural Addis Ababa Grand Prix just days prior, where she completed a successful sprint double, clocking 22.15 in the 200m.
Chasing a sub-22 time at altitude is a daunting task. However, for Thomas, whose personal best of 21.60 makes her the fourth-fastest woman ever over the distance, it is well within reach.
A Welcome That Stood Out
The sprinter’s time in Kenya began with a moment that went beyond competition. Upon arrival at the country’s main airport, she was greeted with traditional music and dance, a gesture that left a lasting impression.
"I’ve never experienced it, and I think this was probably my favourite welcome. It’s something that everybody can learn from, even in the US,” Thomas recalled.
“With everything going on in the world, I think sports do unify people, and these small gestures make a very big difference and make me feel like a part of the sport.”
The triple Olympic champion was also introduced to Kenya’s renowned safari experience, a highlight often enjoyed by visiting athletes.
Back on Track After Injury Setback
Thomas’s journey to this moment has not been a straight line. Last year, the 29-year-old battled an Achilles tendon injury that forced her to withdraw from the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
"I think every day we wake up and push our bodies to the limits," she reflected.
"Last year, there were many moments when I didn’t feel like myself because it was painful and it was hard physically and mentally.
"I had to understand that as an athlete, there are going to be highs and lows, and that’s part of the journey and part of the beauty of the sport…it is how you come out of those lows."
She pointed to Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala as a source of inspiration, after the African record holder recently returned to sub-10 form in Addis Ababa, following a difficult 20-month spell.
"We got to see how you can struggle for a while but continue to keep your head up and keep pushing,” she added.
Now unbeaten this season, Thomas appears to be rediscovering her best form. Off the track, she is also preparing for a major personal milestone, her upcoming wedding to fiancé Spencer McManes later this year.
"I’m really excited for my wedding. I have a very supportive partner. It helps me on the track as well, just knowing that I have that support at home, it’s good for my mental and physical health,” Thomas announced.
“Athletes need to know that we are real people outside the track, too, and we have relationships that we care about, and it’s actually very helpful."
Beyond the Track: STEM, Purpose and Inspiration
Off the track Thomas’ is equally driven by her work in science and public health. The Harvard graduate has often used her platform to address health disparities in underserved communities.
Competing in Africa, where many women and girls still face barriers to entering STEM and sport, she hopes her presence can be inspirational.
"I had a late start to my career in track and field because I was focused on my studies," Thomas explained.
"I want [young women] to know that they can accomplish both. It takes patience and believing in yourself. My studies took precedence, and track and field were kind of a side quest."
After the Kip Keino Classic, Thomas will complete her African campaign at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix, another stop on the World Athletics Continental Tour.
