EUGENE, Ore. — Following the conclusion of the women’s 200-meter final and securing a spot on the U.S. Olympic team, McKenzie Long shared an interesting encounter she had with Gabby Thomas.
“She mentioned having a dream about me,” a delighted Long disclosed, holding a bouquet of white and purple flowers with a bronze medal around her neck. “She said, ‘Yeah, I dreamt that you were going to be an Olympian.’ I was like, ‘You couldn’t have told me this before we lined up here?’”
Thomas confessed that she didn’t want to jinx the dream and kept it to herself until after the race. Long, preparing for one of the most significant races in her life with a chance to qualify for Paris, could have benefitted from the anxiety relief.
Long hinted that Thomas’ declaration might have boosted her confidence before the race, emphasizing how belief from an idol can work wonders.
“I always tell her, ‘I want to be like you.’ She’s such an inspiration,” Long expressed. “That’s my aspiration. I aim to emulate Gabby Thomas.”
For Thomas, this newfound pedestal with expectations and experience has taken some adjustment. She longs for the simpler times when running and sports camaraderie were the sole focus.
“Elite athletes face pressure, and I understand that,” Thomas acknowledged. “If I aspire to be among the greats like Sanya Richards-Ross, Allyson Felix… I have to perform under pressure and acknowledge it as part of the journey.”
At 27, Thomas is embracing this higher platform she finds herself on. Her victory in the 200-meter final confirmed her status as one of America’s premier figures in sprint.
Gabby Thomas, center, Brittany Brown, right, and McKenzie Long all qualified for the 200-meter in Paris for Team USA. (Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
Hence, she is on the brink of stardom, poised to become the face of the franchise in her prime. With an impressive resume of two Olympic medals and multiple championship victories, a gold in Paris could elevate her to new heights.
Thomas possesses a complete package, exuding an aura loved by fans and marketers and carrying a sense of purposefulness in her platform. Her seniority and respect in the sport have made her a role model for college sensations like Long.
“It’s incredibly humbling,” Thomas reflected. “I remember admiring other athletes in the past. At my last Olympic trials, I felt that way about Allyson Felix and Jenna Prandini. So having a younger athlete look up to me feels surreal but fulfilling. It gives me purpose.”
Most importantly, Thomas excels in her field, showcasing refined elegance and grace on the track. Her experience has granted her a sense of comfort that allows her to navigate the pressures of competition with composure.
“I definitely feel like a veteran at this point,” Thomas affirmed. “But I also believe I have more potential to tap into. This feels like my year.”
GO DEEPER
Gabby Thomas: The U.S. track star with a bigger purpose beyond Olympic medals
(Top photo of Gabby Thomas and McKenzie Long embracing after qualifying for Paris in the 200-meter: Patrick Smith / Getty Images)