The trust is broken - Gabby Thomas rules out return to major event, pledges future to Athlos

American sprint queen Gabby Thomas has officially closed the door on any potential return to one of the main track events last season, confirming she will not participate even if the competition is revived.

The triple Olympic champion at the Paris 2024 Games, stated she won't be competing again at the Grand Slam Track, founded by sprinting icon Michael Johnson, as the league is currently facing bankruptcy from significant financial hurdles.

The collapse left several high-profile athletes, including Thomas, with substantial unpaid earnings.

Thomas is listed as one of the league's major creditors, owed a total of $249,375. She is second only to Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who is reportedly due $356,250.

When asked on the Running Event podcast, the 29-year-old speedster reflected on her experience. Despite praising the concept, she made it clear that her focus has shifted entirely.

"No. Grand Slam, it was a lot of fun," Thomas stated. "I think it was a great, refreshing, new initiative for the sport. The best of the best were literally competing against each other frequently, and that's really what we need."

Despite her positive view of the league's format, which she felt was particularly beneficial for athletics in the United States, Thomas emphasized that her professional future lies elsewhere.

"Would I do the Grand Slam itself again? No," she confirmed. "I'm just going to do Athlos. That is what I'm very invested in and what I trust."

Her comments, especially in support of Athlos, comes from a place of commitment, where she's a athlete advisor alongside fellow American stars Sha'Carri Richardson and Tara Davis-Woodhall for their new league this season.