Gabby Thomas had a highlight of a season in 2024, owing to her three Olympic gold medals. Indeed, she instantly became a hot topic in the track and field community for her accolades and also the determination she showed in the sport, as she kept competing after the major event and ended her season at Athlos. However, 2025 is set to bring many new challenges for the sprinter.
Indeed, Thomas has never been afraid of a new journey when it comes to track and field. Therefore, delving deeply into a fashion legacy may not be an easy task, but with her determination, she may be able to achieve it. However, eyeing FloJo’s contribution to the community will be a difficult task, and a lot fewer people expected her to dive into it, while her teammate Sha’Carri Richardson is creating her own fashion legacy in the industry.
Gabby Thomas acknowledging her inner fashionista
Track and field isn’t always about pace or precision; sometimes it’s how an athlete represents themselves out there. One of the most representative athletes of all time has been Florence Griffith-Joyner, owing to her blistering pace on the track and her fashion sense. During her time, she dominated the grid and also wore outfits that always captivated the audience in the stadium. At times, her outfits were flamboyant and purely aesthetic, while at other times, they conveyed a deeper message to the fans.
After FloJo, many athletes have tried to follow her legacy, but only a handful have been successful in it. Any example? Sha’Carri Richardson always shows up to a track meet with a unique style. Whether it’s her hair, nails, or makeup, she consistently captivated the track and field community beyond her exceptional speed on the grid. However, Richardson isn’t the only one who’s following FloJo’s legacy; her teammate Gabby Thomas is also keen on it. Do we smell competition?
Speaking to Vogue, Thomas stressed the fashion part of the sport, stating, “I’ve been so in athlete-world, I feel like I’m just starting to get a sense of what I like. Not that I don’t have my own style. I do, but then I put on something like that white Carolina Herrera dress that I wore to the show, and it’s like, ‘Oh, oh-kaay.’ Since then I’ve been doing more ‘pretty’ looks. And more polished. Same with the hair and makeup, I’m growing with that too.” Indeed, pursuing multiple goals ain’t that tough for the Harvard graduate, and she wants to indulge herself more in track fashion.
Track and field recognizes the importance of fashion in captivating the minds of their fans. And where has she seen this live? Of course, from her fellow Team USA athlete Richardson. While they are on the track, they might be teammates in relays or fighting for the podium in individual race distances; both of them might compete in following FloJo’s legacy when it comes to fashion. Interesting, but where does Thomas get her confidence?
Gabby Thomas has been into fashion shows, and that’s what also contributed to her getting the confidence to dive into the industry. However, she’s still taking baby steps in this but eventually will come up with more creative outfits in future track meets. Previously too, the Olympic champion has mentioned the contribution of FloJo, stating, “I think one of the most empowering parts of being a female athlete is that we do have this creative opportunity to showcase ourselves in our own way, whether that’s makeup, hair, nails, how we wear our uniforms. I am inspired by Flo-Jo’s appearance. I think she used her appearance to empower female athletes and to empower herself, and I admire that.”
Indeed, the sprint queen was exceptional during her time competing in the sport. FloJo’s outfits represented more than just fashion; they served as a symbol of empowerment for female athletes in the sport. And it was something that many modern-generation athletes appreciated, including Richardson. However, the Olympic champion takes this fashion inspiration from a close family member of hers rather than just the American icon.
Another role model in Sha’Carri Richardson’s life
Every time a fan claimed Sha’Carri Richardson was the next FloJo, she always responded with an uplifting reaction. Why would anyone deny being the GOAT’s successor in track fashion? However, there’s one more person in the sprinter’s life who motivates her to dress well and do her makeup and nails before a track meet. And who’s it? It’s Richardson’s Big Momma, Betty Harp.
“When you look your best, you feel your best. And just like with everything else, if I’m going to do it, I’m going to give 100 percent. That’s something my Big Momma taught me,” said the Olympic champion during an interview with Wonderland Magazine. Her grandmother, along with her aunt, has played a significant role in her life. Harp has also encouraged her granddaughter to always look her best on track, as this will help her stay fresh and achieve the best results possible. Indeed, such words can serve as a powerful motivator for anyone, which is why Richardson consistently strives to be the best on the grid.
