Sharing six Paris Olympics gold medals between them, Gabby Thomas and Simone Biles were some of Team USA’s most successful athletes at this year’s Summer Games. So sports fans were delighted to spot Biles and Thomas supporting Caitlin Clark-led Indiana Fevers against their clash with the Connecticut Sun in late August. Now months after their meeting, Thomas has divulged the details of her inspiring evening with the GOAT.
“I’ve always been a Simone fan… even more so after Tokyo,” revealed Thomas. The gymnastics icon’s bid to speak out about her mental health at Tokyo 2020 and advocate for fair treatment of athletes inspired Thomas in 2021. However, meeting the seven-time Olympic gold medalist in person was an even better experience for the track star.
Thomas revealed that she and Simone Biles could meet to show their support for the WNBA thanks to a common sponsor. While she didn’t name the sponsor, they provided the 27-year-old with an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. “I had to chat with her,” said the five-time Olympic medalist. As the duo chatted, Thomas recalled gleaning some important lessons from Simone Biles.
“She shared with me how to advocate for myself, how it’s okay to say no, how I should be proud of my bronzes and silvers, not to let people forget, that’s part of the journey,” Thomas said during her appearance on Ali on the Run. What surprised Thomas was how much wiser beyond her years Biles sounded. “She just had so much wisdom to share,” said the 200m specialist.
