Gabby Thomas Signs with Grand Slam Track — and Talks Why the League Will 'Really Help' the Sport (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Duncan Boone for Grand Slam Track

PEOPLE can exclusively confirm that the track and field star, 27, is signing with Grand Slam Track — an exciting new league that Thomas hopes will bring new eyes to the sport.

“I’m really excited for this to start in 2025,” says the Olympian, calling Grand Slam Track’s inaugural season — which starts in April 2025 and runs through June — “an event with a predictable structure that fans and spectators can follow along with, and something that us athletes can be excited about.”

Thomas, a 200-meter specialist, tells PEOPLE she first fell in love with track and field when she saw “the personal growth and development that came from it."

But it’s no secret that track and field is harder to follow as a casual fan. That’s why Thomas — who took homethree gold medalsat the2024 Paris Olympicsin the 200 meters, the 4 x 100-meter relay and the 4 x 400-meter relay — jumped at the chance to join Grand Slam Track.

“People don’t really know how to watch track if it’s not the Olympics every four years,” Thomas notes. “We need opportunities to race more frequently, especially in the United States. So I think this will really help with that.”

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“That’s actually a change that I really welcome — usually, we’re, kind of, making last-minute decisions and choosing which meets to go to on a whim," Thomas explains. “This helps me a lot with that because I’ll know what I’m training for and when I’ll be competing, so I can balance my schedule and manage my expectations accordingly, and I think that’s one of the better things about this league.”

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And a higher prize pot means a better product on the track, says Thomas. “I think it’ll bring a lot competitors, which will also drive competition,” the three-time gold medalist says.

Grand Slam Track is a win for fans, too. Thomas tells PEOPLE that the league is structured so that fans can tune in specifically to watch their favorite athletes.

“I like how there are four meets that fans can look forward to and knowing who’s going to show up so they can watch their favorite athletes compete.”

For Thomas, inspiring the next generation is one of the biggest rewards. “One of my favorite parts about track is getting to meet the fans, especially with our sport.”

source: people.com