Gabby Thomas has announced that she will not compete in the World Track and Field Championships due to an ongoing Achilles injury. Thomas, who excelled at the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning gold in the 200m, 4x100m, and 4x400m, has been struggling with this injury since May. Unfortunately, her condition worsened in July.
The championship is set to take place from September 13 to 21 in Tokyo. In her statement, Thomas expressed her disappointment, acknowledging the letdown for her fans. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing health over competition, saying, “As an athlete, you always want to keep grinding, but sometimes you simply can’t outwork an injury.”
The last time Thomas raced was at the Toyota USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships on August 3, where she narrowly secured third place in the 200m, just a thousandth of a second ahead of Olympic bronze medalist Brittany Brown.
Interestingly, Thomas had initially clinched the final available spot on the world team during nationals. However, her withdrawal created an opportunity for McKenzie Long, who finished fifth at nationals by an ultra-close margin.
The landscape of 200m sprinting has shifted as of 2025. Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia currently holds the fastest time with 21.71 seconds. Close behind her are American sprinters Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and McKenzie Long, clocking in at 21.84 and 21.93 seconds, respectively. Gabby Thomas follows closely with a best time of 21.95 seconds.
In terms of recovery, experts emphasize the importance of listening to one’s body. Dr. Alan R. McCullough, a sports physician, states that pushing through injuries can often lead to more serious long-term consequences. He suggests that athletes take the time needed to heal fully before returning to the track.
In social media trends, fans expressed their support for Thomas, many sharing stories about the mental struggles athletes face during injury recovery. This resonates with a growing awareness around athlete welfare, which seems increasingly important in the age of high-performance sports.
As Thomas takes this time off, her focus on long-term health may inspire others to make similar choices. The world of track and field will be watching closely as her recovery progresses and hoping for her return in future events.
For those interested in the full USA Track and Field roster for the World Championships, you can find it here.
