‘Never stop’ – Gabby Thomas’ captivating speech of dreaming big brews confidence to young athletes at USATF Awards

Thomas was named winner of the prestigious award following her Olympic exploits in Paris, where she raced to 200m gold and helped Team USA to 4x100m and 4x400m victories as well, running the third leg in both relays and played an integral part in the 4x400m team setting an American record of 3:15.51. In addition, she clocked five sub-22s in the 200m this season, topped by a world-leading 21.78s in the semifinals at the US Olympic Trials.

The 27-year-old overcame other strong contenders on the nominee list in Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (400mH), Tara Davis-Woodhall (long jump), Masai Russell (100mH), and Valarie Allman (Discus throw), who were also Olympic champions in Paris.

In her appreciation speech, Thomas passed a captivating message to young athletes on not giving up despite challenges.

“To the young girls and boys who might be watching, believe in yourself. When I was younger, I had big dreams too. Dreams that oftentimes scared me because I felt they were too far away.

“But here’s what I want you to know, you are capable of far more you can imagine. The world will try to tell you to be realistic or to do things a certain way or that certain things are not meant for you, Don’t listen.

“Your dreams, no matter how big they are, are valid. Dreaming big means stepping outside of your comfort zone. It means working hard even when nobody is watching and believing in yourself even when it feels hard.

“Some days you might feel like giving up and that’s okay. Rest if you need to, but never stop. And remember, your dreams can inspire others one day, so don’t hold back. Be bold, be brave, and dream big.”

Thomas will be gunning to build on her 2024 season momentum next year, aiming to win her first individual world title in Tokyo.

The greatest sprinter of all time Usain Bolt has reacted to Gout Gout’s incredible weekend at the Australian All Schools Championships, where his unprecedented performances further strengthened his name as the ‘Next Big Thing’.

Gout began his exceptional quest on Friday (December 6th) with an astonishing wind-aided 10.04s to win his 100m heat – the fourth-fastest all-conditions time in Australian history and the fastest in 31 years.

After this, he shattered Sebastian Sultana’s U18 national record of 10.27s to a legal 10.17s in the final, further cementing his name that he’s well on the path as the next big name in Australian athletics.

Not resting on his oars, the 16-year-old returned for the 200m heat on Saturday, first effortlessly running 20.38s – a time good enough for some adult sprinters. A few hours later, he dropped an exceptional 20.04s, which broke Peter Norman’s long-standing Australian national record of 20.06s clocked to win silver at the 1968 Olympics.

More impressive is that Norman had held the 200m record for more than 50 years, since that high-altitude Mexico City final. In addition, Gout’s time is the fastest ever by a teenager, smashing Usain Bolt’s age 16 best of 20.13s and became the second-fastest by an athlete under the age of 18 – behind Erriyon Knighton’s 19.84s as a 17-year-old in 2021.