TOKYO – The sublime sprinter Gabby Thomas arrived at the U.S. Olympic trials in late June carrying far more than her suitcase. There was relief, that she did not have cancer; belief, that she would win; inspiration, from an idol; a community to motivate; a sport to conquer; a platform to grow; and a world to change. Also, she needed to buy her mom a birthday gift.
Most people would consider that slate overwhelming. Thomas is not most people. She refers to this kind of overstocked docket as “Tuesday.” It wasn’t enough for her to simply train for the Olympics.