'An opportunity to see what I'm capable of' - Gabby Thomas reveals plans to challenge Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone in 2026 season

American track star Gabby Thomas has revealed plans to run the 400m more in the 2026 season, which would see her challenge world champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and other fierce runners in the event.

The sprint queen of the Paris Olympic Games experienced an unfortunate end to her 2025 season, as she had to withdraw from the Tokyo 2025 World Championships due to a prolonged injury. However, she has now fully recovered and is optimistic about achieving great things this year.

Thomas revealed in a recent interview that the 400m will be one of her main focuses in the 2026 season.

"We have an off year. I think it's a good opportunity for me to see what I'm capable of."

In 2025, she clocked a personal best of 49.14 seconds at the Grand Slam Track in Kingston, Jamaica - a performance that places her among the top 25 on the all-time list.

Despite being a 200m specialist, Thomas's versatile talent enables her to also efficiently run fast in the 400m and compete against the best runners in the event.

At the Paris Olympic Games, she claimed three gold medals in the 200m, 4x100m, and played a vital role in Team USA's women's 4x400m relay squad retaining their title.

With the 2026 season being an off year for the World Championships or Olympics, Thomas will hope to make an impact in the 400m, either during the indoor season or in her buildup to the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in September.