Gabby Thomas is gearing up for a shot at history and a massive payday. The Olympic sprint star is set to make her much-anticipated Grand Slam Track (GST) debut, with a staggering $200,000 on the line if she dominates both the 100m and 200m. With stakes this high, Thomas didn’t need an elaborate announcement. Instead, she dropped a short but electrifying message that set the track world buzzing.
On March 23, 2025, Thomas took to Instagram to unveil her racing schedule, pairing the update with a fierce mid-stride photo, writing, “See you guys on the track very soon .” The schedule also included what is going to be her first appearance in Grand Slam Track, the groundbreaking league founded by Michael Johnson, where she’ll line up against the world’s fastest as a ‘unicorn’ racer. Designed around four high-stakes meets featuring 96 elite sprinters split into Racers and Challengers, GST’s format perfectly aligns with Thomas’ hunger for competition.
Gabby Thomas has already made waves ahead of her Grand Slam track debut, sharing her excitement in a way only she can. The Olympic sprinter first teased her big leap to the league by posting a snapshot of her packed luggage on her Instagram story. The caption read, “@grandslamtrack here I come,” signaling her readiness for the high-stakes competition. This casual yet electrifying reveal sparked a flurry of anticipation across her followers and the track world alike. It’s clear Thomas is all in on this new challenge.
Beyond her social media post, Gabby Thomas has expressed glowing thoughts about Grand Slam Track, calling it not just a new chapter in her career but a potential game-changer for track and field. While her initial Instagram message didn’t dive into the specifics, she’s shared deeper insights elsewhere. In a November 2024 interview, Thomas couldn’t contain her excitement, as she expressed admiration for Michael Johnson, citing how his involvement with Grand Slam Track aligns perfectly with her own ambitions. Johnson’s legendary status brings an undeniable level of credibility to the league, making it even more thrilling for Thomas to compete on such a stage.
For the 28-year-old, Grand Slam Track offers more than just a competitive edge; it offers a unique economic structure that benefits both athletes and fans. She’s particularly excited about how the league emphasizes visibility and fan interaction. Reflecting on the opportunity, she said, “Michael’s vision is incredibly exciting, and I can’t wait to give the millions of track fans around the world even more chances to watch us compete. I look forward to seeing all of our fans at the four Slams next year.” This enthusiasm reveals how Thomas sees the league not only as a chance to grow but also as a platform that elevates the sport, making it accessible and engaging for track fans worldwide.
Gabby Thomas on embracing a new era in Track and Field
After an unforgettable performance at the Paris Olympics, where she claimed three gold medals, Gabby Thomas solidified her place among track and field’s greatest athletes. Yet, despite all her success, there remains a glaring issue that continues to challenge her and many others in the sport: financial stability. In a candid conversation on a podcast, Thomas shared the struggle, revealing how hard it is to make a sustainable living as an athlete. She discussed the financial realities of competing at prestigious events like the Diamond League, noting that despite winning a race, the earnings often don’t reflect the immense effort and sacrifices involved. “You go abroad to compete in what we call the Diamond League, and you have the opportunity to make $10,000 if you win your race,” she explained while adding the additional burdens like travel costs, agent fees, and coaching expenses.
Many athletes fight endlessly to meet financial requirements because their sport offers minimal actual earning potential. Thomas places her bet on Grand Slam Track as the groundbreaking league that represents his vision of future athletics. She portrayed optimism at SXSW 2025 about the upcoming competition that track great Michael Johnson has established. The sports organization Grand Slam Track focuses on delivering consistent high-intensity competitions through its structured platform as an alternative to the irregular events of the Diamond League. The league’s organizers created its structure to maintain constant audience involvement by removing unrelated events that could create distractions. Competitors will engage in thrilling single-person races for three consecutive days, which will excite supporters who join with their athletes.
Beyond the structure, what excites Thomas most is the potential for Grand Slam Track to elevate the sport both financially and in terms of visibility. With its promise of more than just prize money, the league offers a comprehensive financial model that could give athletes a more stable and rewarding career. She’s thrilled about the prospect of consistent, high-profile competition that allows athletes to showcase their skills and recover properly between races. Will this new chapter crown Gabby Thomas as the queen of track and field, or will it simply become another promising idea? Only time will tell, but she’s certainly ready for the challenge.
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