The 2025 track season may have just kicked off, but the drama off the track is already in full sprint. It all began with a fashion statement — or so it seemed. Olympic medalist Gabby Thomas strutted into one of the unrivaled events of the season, rocking an eye-catching outfit that had fans buzzing. But what started as chatter about clothing quickly turned into a verbal slugfest when a rising and notoriously unfiltered NCAA athlete jumped into the fray.

Erin Brown didn’t hold back, posting on X: “You made it seem like cause you went to Harvard that mean you’re smart… and that’s like saying just because you’re from the hood you’re tuff. But people suggested you got in because of DEI which could indeed be true. Don’t make you any less smart. Or you could’ve got in for athletics which could be true as well which could also be true. But don’t matter at the end of the day.”

He continued, implying her academic achievements might be rooted in athletic preference or diversity quotas, before ending with: “If you didn’t care what strangers online say this wouldn’t even be a conversation.” The 28-year-old’s clapback was swift and surgical: “Atp you seem a little too obsessed with me …weirdo.” The internet did what it does best: grabbed popcorn. But things didn’t stop there. 

Over the weeks, the back-and-forth flared up sporadically — until May 6 added a new chapter. Track veteran Vernon Norwood tried to sprinkle wisdom on the timeline, tweeting: “Hating is just confused admiration.” Gabby clearly took that as a perfect alley-oop and dunked on her rival: “awww @TheErinBrown must love me.” And just when it seemed like a KO, Erin Brown bounced back with a side-eyed compliment: “I’m gonna let you slide today cause you did good at the Met Gala yesterday. Try again another day it’ll be another story.” A ceasefire? Doubtful. However, in the subsequent reply, the Olympian put two crying emojis, and Erin Brown wrote, “Its dead___ not.” But what was this Met Gala mention where the athlete slayed?

When sprinter Gabby Thomas stepped onto the Met Gala carpet, it wasn’t just about glam — it was a masterclass in storytelling through style. Draped in a custom Priya Ahluwalia creation, Gabby’s gown was more than red carpet-worthy — it was revolutionary. The bold red silk shimmered with cascading crystals, but it was the neckline that whispered her truth. If you looked closely, you’d catch it: an architectural detail shaped like a track, seamlessly blending haute couture with her Olympic roots.

“The neckline has this amazing architectural detailing designed to mimic the shape of a track,” Gabby explained, turning fashion into a subtle nod to her athletic journey. But she didn’t stop at the track. Her look pulled from the soul of a cultural movement. Inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, the gown paid tribute to a period of unapologetic Black brilliance. The colors and silhouettes echoed the era, reflecting both elegance and power, heritage and hustle. In a space where athletes are often boxed into performance and not personality, Thomas broke the mold. Her gown told a story — not just of speed and medals — but of legacy, culture, and pride.

Coming back to Brown and Thomas, in the past, the duo had several examples of verbal fights between themselves. 

Gabby Thomas faced harsh criticism from the track and field athlete 

Back in June, NCAA sprinter Erin Brown stirred the pot with a now-infamous tweet: “Something about Gabby Thomas just makes me not wanna see her medal at the Olympics…. I just can’t put my finger on it!” A cryptic jab? Maybe. A thinly veiled dig? Definitely.

At the time, Gabby Thomas was facing some questions of her own. Her performance at the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix in May wasn’t headline-worthy, and critics were starting to murmur. Had the hype train slowed down? Not quite.

Because just weeks before that tweet, Gabby had already helped lead Team USA’s 4x100m relay squad to gold at the World Athletics Relays, setting the tone for what would become a summer of dominance. Fast forward to the Paris Olympics, and Thomas didn’t just silence her doubters — she lapped them. She pulled off the ultimate gold medal trifecta: women’s 200m, women’s 4x100m relay, and women’s 4x400m relay. Surely, that’s not just winning — that’s making a statement.

And while the X beefs come and go, medals — especially three Olympic gold ones — stay forever. Gabby didn’t clap back with words. She let the track do the talking. So, to Erin’s “can’t put my finger on it” energy, Gabby had the perfect, sparkling reply: Put three fingers up. For the three golds.