Olympian Gabby Thomas Shares How To Avoid Burnout

Gabby Thomas doesn’t just break record, she redefines what it means to pursue greatness.

At 27, the track-and-field superstar boasts an Olympic gold medal, multiple world titles, and a résumé that includes degrees from Harvard and the University of Texas.

But her journey hasn’t been without challenges, including the ever-present risk of burnout.

During her years at Harvard, where she studied neurobiology and global health, Thomas was a force on the track, setting Ivy League records and winning 22 conference titles.

Despite her incredible accomplishments, by her sophomore year, the relentless grind of balancing academics and athletics left her questioning her path.

"I felt like I had given so much to track and was feeling less whole in other areas of my life," she recalls.

The Turning Point: Choosing Herself Over Expectations

In an era before athletes like Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles opened the door for conversations about mental health, Thomas made a bold choice: she opted to spend a semester abroad in Dakar, Senegal.

The decision meant missing summer regionals, NCAA championships, and USA Championships milestones that defined her collegiate track experience.

While many student-athletes fear falling behind in their sport, Thomas took the leap, encouraged by Harvard’s supportive culture.

Though her coach wasn’t thrilled, he respected her decision. Still, doubts lingered. Would the break derail her training? Could she return to peak performance? What if she enjoyed the break too much to come back?

Despite her apprehension, the experience abroad gave Thomas the mental and emotional reset she needed. "That trip really helped me with my track career," she says.

Upon her return, she not only regained her competitive edge but soared to new heights, winning the NCAA championship and breaking the collegiate record the following season.

Sustaining Success Through Balance

Thomas’s time in Senegal taught her a vital lesson: balance is essential to long-term success.

‍Since then, she’s carried this philosophy throughout her career. "We sacrifice a lot for track—whatever you love, you sacrifice for it," she explains. Yet, taking time to reflect and prioritize her well-being has been key to maintaining her passion for the sport.

Now a three-time Olympic medalist and World Champion, Thomas remains committed to listening to herself and fostering a sense of purpose. Her schedule is as intense as ever, but she’s learned that happiness and passion are as important as hard work.

"You need to really enjoy the entirety of your life and have a sense of purpose to find success in what you’re doing," she emphasizes.

Conclusion

Gabby Thomas’s journey is a testament to the power of balance in achieving greatness.

Her bold decision to prioritize her well-being reshaped her career, proving that taking a step back can sometimes be the key to moving forward.

As she continues to excel in both life and sport, Thomas’s story inspires us to seek balance, listen to our inner voice, and remember that success is about more than just medals, it's about living a life filled with passion and purpose.