Olympic Champion Gabby Thomas Targets Return After Achilles Injury Ahead of Busy 2026

Determined to Return Stronger

American sprint sensation Gabby Thomas, a three-time Olympic gold medallist, has announced her plans to return to full training within the next few weeks following an Achilles injury that forced her to miss the World Athletics Championships last month.

The 27-year-old, widely regarded as one of the brightest talents in track and field, is determined to bounce back ahead of what she describes as a “busy but exciting” year in 2026. Speaking at the Women’s Sports Foundation Gala in New York, Thomas expressed optimism about her recovery and the road ahead.

“It’s part of the highs and lows of sports,” Thomas said. “I’ll be training for the beginning of next season. I’m starting my training probably in December.”

A Champion’s Setback

Thomas’s journey to recovery has been anything but easy. The injury, which she began managing in May, forced her to withdraw from several key events, including the World Championships, where she was expected to be a major contender in both the 200 metres and relay events.

Despite the setback, Thomas has remained upbeat. The Harvard and University of Texas alumna, who balances athletic excellence with academic and business pursuits, insists that her focus remains firmly on her long-term goals.

She said the injury was a temporary hurdle in her ongoing pursuit of greatness, noting that she has learned to balance rest, patience, and determination.

A Glittering Olympic Career

Gabby Thomas’s name has become synonymous with excellence on the global stage. A three-time Olympic gold medallist, she dazzled at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she captured gold in her signature 200 metres and helped Team USA clinch victories in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.

Her explosive performances cemented her status as one of the world’s most versatile and accomplished sprinters. However, Thomas’s Olympic journey hasn’t been without challenges  she missed the Tokyo Olympics earlier in her career due to injury, an experience that she says taught her resilience and perspective.

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“The setbacks make the successes even more meaningful,” Thomas reflected. “Every injury, every challenge has made me stronger, both physically and mentally.”

Champion Beyond the Track

While recovering from her injury, Thomas has been far from idle. She has taken a prominent role in the business side of athletics, serving as co-owner and advisor of Athlos, a start-up aiming to revolutionize women’s track and field competitions.

The company recently announced that its women’s-only track meet will transition from a single annual event to a multi-meet league format in 2026, reflecting the growing popularity of women’s sports globally.

Thomas, who holds degrees in neurobiology and public health, said her involvement with Athlos is about shaping the future of her sport. “We are leading a change in track and field, and it’s starting with women,” she said proudly.

Advocating for Women in Sport

At the Women’s Sports Foundation Gala  an event founded by tennis legend Billie Jean King  Thomas spoke passionately about the current wave of attention surrounding women’s athletics.

“We’re at a turning point right now, where there’s so much interest and so many eyes on women’s sports,” she said. “I want track and field to take advantage of that and be a part of this moment.”

Her comments reflect a growing sentiment among elite female athletes who are using their platforms to push for greater visibility, investment, and equality across all levels of competition.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Gabby Thomas prepares to return to competition, her focus remains dual: reclaiming her dominance on the track and contributing to the transformation of athletics off it.

Her comeback coincides with the build-up to Milano Cortina 2026, where Thomas hopes to once again represent the United States and add to her impressive collection of medals.

For Thomas, the journey ahead is as much about personal redemption as it is about continuing to inspire a new generation of athletes  especially young women  to pursue excellence fearlessly.

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