Gabby Thomas, the accomplished Olympian and Harvard graduate, is speaking out against racist comments questioning her academic achievements.
The 27-year-old track star recently addressed online trolls who accused her of fabricating her degree from Harvard University.
Thomas, who earned her neuroscience degree with a minor in global health and health policy in 2019, responded to a disparaging comment on X, that suggested she lacked intelligence.
“You’re probably right
darn my Harvard degree,” Thomas replied sarcastically. However, the exchange escalated as commenters began doubting her education, attributing their skepticism to her being Black.
You’re probably right
— Gabby Thomas (@itsgabbyt) January 26, 2025
In a follow-up post, Thomas expressed her frustration:
“Today, on Jan 26, 2025, there are hundreds of people commenting on my Twitter page that specifically because I am black, they must assume I did not earn my admission into Harvard nor did I earn my diploma. Is this real life??”
The Olympian received support from several public figures, including Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, who dismissed the trolls as “Clowns, not people.”
Beyond her undergraduate degree, Thomas furthered her education by earning a master’s degree in public health from the University of Texas at Austin in 2023.
A Golden Year on the Track
Thomas’ academic credentials are matched only by her prowess on the track. In August 2024, she realized her Olympic dream at the Paris Games, clinching gold in the women’s 200-meter final with a time of 21.83 seconds.
Reflecting on the victory, Thomas said, “This is six years in the making at least… My coach told me everything we’ve done up until this point… was for this, so that I was prepared and mature.”
Her success didn’t end there. Thomas secured two additional gold medals as part of Team USA’s women’s 4×100-meter and 4×400-meter relay teams, cementing her status as one of the most decorated athletes of the games.
Thomas’ achievements, both academic and athletic, highlight her resilience and commitment to excellence in the face of adversity.
