do. So often, we feel this pressure to just be quiet and do our sport. That can take a toll, mentally and emotionally.
“A lot of people make these conversations about money—this is your job, this is what you do. But some things are more important than money, and my mental health and emotional well-being is not for sale. I see fans talking about myself or other track athletes on the internet as if you can’t read and you don’t have feelings, and you can tell they don’t see you as a person. So I think Naomi is a great role model in this situation.”
According to Harvard.edu, Thomas is the 23rd Olympian in the history of Harvard Track and Field, and seeks to become the first Harvard woman to medal in a track and field event.
Success—both on the track and off—came relatively early for sprinter Thomas. In 2016, she made her first appearance at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in the 200 meters. At the time, she was just a freshman at Harvard University.
At Harvard, Thomas rewrote the record book, as she has Harvard’s all-time best marks in the 60m (7.25), 200m (22.38), and 300m (37.47), and is a member of the record-holding 4x400m relay team.
She is a five-time Heps Outstanding Performer of the Meet honoree, earning Most Outstanding Track Performer of the Meet four times (two indoor, two outdoor) and the 2018 Outdoor Heps Most Outstanding Field Performer of the Meet award. During the 2017-18 indoor track season, Thomas became the first NCAA sprint champion in Ivy League history, winning the 200-meter dash while setting an NCAA indoor record, crossing the finish line in 22.38 seconds. She is a 25-time All-Ivy League athlete and an eight-time USTFCCCA All-American.