1 week ago
7
THOUGH SHE proudly wears the red, white, and blue of the United States where she was born and raised, women’s Olympic 200m champion Gabrielle ‘Gabby’ Thomas has spoken about her Jamaican heritage which she shares through her father Desmond Thomas.
The sprinter had expressed her excitement ahead of making her competitive debut in Jamaica, and marked it with a win in the women’s long sprints 200m on Friday.
“I am really excited and I have been welcomed warmly by the Jamaican people. My family will be here watching; my dad, my grandpa, and my cousins. So it really does feel like home,” she told The Gleaner.
“Being at the National Stadium and competing there, it is an incredible energy. It’s my first time competing there, a new track surface laid down and the vibes were lit. It feels incredible here,” Thomas added.
And support her they did, as her family cheered loudly for the Olympic gold medallist during her two races at the National Stadium on Friday and Saturday.
Desmond, her father, was beaming with pride as he congratulated his daughter on her performances and explained she remains an inspiration for young girls in Jamaica to follow.
“We give God all the glory for giving us all these blessings in her life. We know, to whom much is given, much is required,” Desmond said.
“She is just blessing the world because we know all the little girls in Braeton, Portmore where our family lives now, and everybody in Spanish Town where we come from, there are little girls looking up to her. She is inspiring them and that’s what makes us so proud of her.”
Desmond explained one of the reasons behind Gabrielle’s success on the professional scene is because of her family’s rich history in sports and her strong connection to her roots.
“She comes from deep roots here, and a tree without roots will die. So she has those strong roots in Jamaica, which helps make her strong,” he said.
Gabrielle’s grandfather, Desmond Snr, was also in attendance at the National Stadium, expressing pride over seeing her compete in Jamaica.
Desmond Snr, a former St Jago High athlete, said his granddaughter is the toast of the family as he and his friends hope for her continued success.
“We’re very proud of her. She has been really fantastic in her career and she has been holding the fourth class of a Thomas.
“It was extremely special to see her run at the National Stadium. She made me very proud and my friends are also very happy for her.”
English (US) ·