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Paris Olympics | Here's how Atlanta native Gabby Thomas did in the 200m semifinals

Gabby Thomas ran a 21.86 during the 200m semifinals on Monday, Aug. 5.

PARIS, France — Atlanta native Gabby Thomas is racing for gold during the Paris Olympics this summer -- and she's making it look like a breeze. 

On Monday, the Harvard graduate sprinted to the finish line, seamlessly clearing other Olympians during the 200-meter semifinals. She ran a first-place time of 21.86 and is advancing to the finals. According to the university, if she wins, she'd be the first female gold medalist in the program's history. 

The 27-year-old is no stranger to the Olympics and already medaled twice in 2020 in Tokyo. She won bronze individually in the 200 meters and silver as part of the 4x100 relay team. 

Then, in 2023, she secured silver in the 200 meters at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, alongside gold in the U.S. women's 4x100 relay team. 

Thomas previously spoke to 11Alive about how she first discovered her speed on the track during her days at Atlanta's college preparatory private school, Pace Academy. 

"I remember all the boys wanted to race me just to see if they could beat me, and I beat all of them but one," Thomas said. "But I would beat the fastest boys in my third-grade class."

Not only is she dedicated to track and field, but she also used the resilience running fosters to be a top academic. According to her Team USA profile, she studied neurobiology and global health at Harvard University. 

Thomas also previously told 11Alive that she is committed to making a difference in healthcare, bridging disparities and giving back to her community. She does this through her volunteer work at a healthcare clinic in Austin, Texas. 

But as she steps onto the track for the final, she will be leaving a mark of pursuing one's passion with dedication and joy. 

"Just take your passion, let your passions drive you," she told 11Alive. 

Ready. Set. Go for gold, Gabby Thomas! Atlanta and Team USA are cheering you on along the way!

Watch the moment Gabby Thomas gets her spot in the 200m final below. 


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