barriers they face personally and can actually improve their healthcare rather than the impersonal response you often see. It’s been impactful tracking their progress and seeing their health improve. The patients we see at the clinic don’t have health insurance or are very low income, so they wouldn’t have access to healthcare otherwise.”
Thomas’ passion for healthy equity has also led to a partnership with Eli Lilly and Company, the health equity sponsor for Team USA.
“I think the partnership with Lilly is exciting because it will expand not only my platform but also the discussion about health equity to even more people,” she adds. “They can see the work that Lilly does and maybe even become inspired themselves. Lilly increases diversity in clinical trials, expands access to medicines, and collaborates with patient advocacy groups. These are all examples of progress that others can look at and be inspired by.”
Looking ahead, Thomas hopes to continue making an impact both on and off the track. She aspires to reach her full potential as an athlete, aiming for a gold medal at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.
“We are at the beginning of our outdoor season now, which means we are starting with actual track meets and competitions leading up to Paris. This is about sharpening up and ensuring that we’re fit and healthy as we head into the trials and then onto the Paris Olympics,” Thomas adds.
In preparation for the Olympics, Thomas is following a “physically demanding” workout routine that entails three hours on the track and a couple of hours in the weight room.
“We do really hard sprint workouts, but we also make sure that we’re resting and recovering just as much. Many people don’t realize how important rest and recovery are in the training process, especially at this elite level,” the two-time medalist notes. “It’s also important mentally to step away from the track, have moments to yourself to rest and regroup. This is also why I do things off the track and try to strike a balance between my track life, being a professional athlete, and my off-track lifestyle. I think that balance is crucial.”
As she continues to pursue her goals, both on the track and in her advocacy work, Thomas remains focused on inspiring young girls who aspire to follow in her footsteps.
“Follow your passions and figure out what matters to you. You can make a difference. On the track, I hope to reach my full potential as an athlete and be the best I can be, aiming for a gold medal in the future,” she shares. “I think this will be a great year to show the world and myself what I can do. Off the track, I hope to be the best version of myself and positively impact as many people as I can, especially in terms of their healthcare and health outcomes. I hope to inspire younger girls watching to continue working towards their passions and making a difference in their communities.”