Gabby Thomas has never been one to back down. Being a Harvard graduate and three-time Olympic gold medalist, the star has already proven her brilliance both on and off the track. However, despite her achievements, Thomas has often faced unwarranted scrutiny, especially on social media. Most recently, her appearance at the new 3×3 Unrivaled League in Miami became the center of controversy. And the isn’t centering on her undeniable star power, but because of relentless online hate.

It all started when Thomas shared a courtside photo from the event, captioning it, “Came for the talent, stayed for the vibes #unrivaled.” While many fans praised her presence, one social media user decided to take a shot at her intelligence, tweeting, “Gabby Thomas doesn’t sound like she’s the brightest out there.” But Thomas, never one to let baseless criticism slide, delivered a sharp and classy response, “You’re probably right, darn my Harvard degree.” The comeback instantly went viral, with fans applauding her wit and intelligence. However, this was only the tip of the iceberg.

The conversation took a much darker turn when Thomas later exposed a disturbing trend of racism in the backlash she was receiving. She took to X and revealed, “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??” Her frustration was evident, highlighting the systemic biases that continue to plague successful Black women. No matter how decorated their resumes are.

As Thomas’ post gained traction, the discussion expanded beyond just her experience. Many users pointed out how accomplished Black athletes and scholars often have their intelligence questioned, despite having credentials that speak for themselves. Thomas highlighted the emotional weight of constantly proving oneself, even after achieving the pinnacle of success, in her post. But she was not alone in this battle. Her words caught the attention of one of the biggest names in sports and tech, Alexis Ohanian. Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and husband of tennis legend Serena Williams, wasted no time in showing his support for Thomas. Taking to X, he simply wrote, “Clowns, not people.” 

His blunt but effective statement was a direct callout to the critics who had attempted to discredit Thomas’ accomplishments. In a social media landscape where negativity often goes unchecked, Ohanian’s support served as a powerful reminder that allies are essential in the fight against racial bias.

Such an incident underscored the troubling reality. Even in 2025, racial prejudices continue to shape the way Black excellence is perceived. Thomas’ journey from Harvard to Olympic glory is worthy of all the celebration and credit. Yet, she still finds herself forced to defend her intelligence and hard work. Her willingness to speak out, coupled with influential voices like Ohanian backing her up, proves that this conversation is far from over. However, the bond and camaraderie that Ohanian shares with Thomas did not just begin today.

Gabby Thomas on collaborating with Alexis Ohanian for Athlos, NYC

Gabby Thomas didn’t just run at Athlos, NYC, but also played a pivotal role in shaping it. As the event brought together the fastest women on the planet, Thomas reflected on what it meant to work alongside Alexis Ohanian in making the vision a reality. “What’s really cool about him is he just sits down and listens, right?” she shared, emphasizing how the Reddit co-founder immersed himself in the sport.

Ohanian entered the track and field world as an outsider, but Thomas saw firsthand how quickly he adapted. “He didn’t know anything about track, and now he’s using track lingo when he’s talking about, you know, our sport in the races, which I really appreciate,” she noted. His dedication went beyond just learning terminology. He has doubled the Diamond League’s prize money and set a new standard with Athlos NYC. “He saw what we deserve, and he doesn’t want to stop there,” Gabby added.

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More than just a competitor, Thomas was deeply involved in shaping Athlos NYC. “We’ve been included in this decision-making for every step of the way. I mean, Alexis called me before this was even a possibility of a thought,” she revealed. From venue selection to event planning, she was part of the process from the ground up. That level of involvement made Athlos NYC more than just another meet. Rather, it became a groundbreaking movement in women’s sports, championed by those who live and breathe the track.

While Thomas remains focused on her training and future competitions, her words have sparked a larger discussion. One that challenges outdated biases and demands recognition of merit over misguided assumptions. As the dust settles, one thing remains clear. That is Gabby Thomas is not just an Olympic champion. Instead, she commands respect and dominates both on and off the track.