'I Am Building My Self-Talk'- Gabby Thomas Celebrates 29th Birthday With Sweet Message From Fiancé

The Olympic champion was left gushing after receiving a heartfelt tribute from her fiancé to mark her special day.

Reigning 200m Olympic champion Gabby Thomas turned 29 on December 7, 2025, and the celebrations were made even more special by a heartfelt tribute from her fiancé, Spencer McManes. 

The track and field sensation, who has had a whirlwind couple of years marked by Olympic glory and personal milestones, spent her special day surrounded by love. 

McManes, a former Yale football player turned entrepreneur, took to social media to honor his future wife with a series of cherished photographs and a touching note that left fans and the birthday girl swooning.

Thomas has enjoyed a stellar career trajectory, transitioning from a multi-sport high school athlete to a global sprinting icon. 

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

After capping off her 2025 season at the USATF Outdoor Championships, where she clinched a bronze medal in the 200m event, she has been enjoying some well-deserved downtime

McManes’ Instagram post featured candid moments of the pair, showcasing the supportive dynamic that Thomas has often credited for her success. 

In his emotional caption, McManes poured his heart out to the woman he calls his teammate and inspiration.

"Happy Birthday to the most incredible woman I know. You inspire me every single day with your grace, determination, and heart. I love you more than words can say, and I can't wait for all the chapters we have yet to write together," McManes wrote.

Thomas was visibly moved by the gesture. She was clearly left gushing at the sweet note, expressing her love in the comments and playfully suggested a golf session to round off the celebrations. 

From Harvard Records to Olympic Gold

Thomas’s path to becoming a household name is as impressive as her speed. Before dominating the track, she explored soccer and softball, eventually finding her calling in athletics at Williston Northampton High School. 

Her talent led her to Harvard University, where she shattered records and established herself as a force in the Ivy League. During her time there, she set school and league records in the 100m, 200m, and indoor 60m races. 

She later transferred to the University of Texas for her junior season, where she captured the NCAA Indoor Championship title in the 200m, cementing her status as a collegiate great.

Her academic and athletic discipline laid the foundation for her professional success. The 2024 Paris Olympics were the pinnacle of her hard work, where she claimed her first individual gold medal.

 However, her success wasn't just physical; it was mental. Thomas has been open about the psychological tools she used to reach the top of the podium, specifically the power of affirmations.

Manifesting Victory Through Self-Talk

In a revealing interview with CBS Mornings, Thomas detailed her mental preparation for the Paris Games. She explained that building confidence was an active daily process, involving writing down her goals and visualizing every step of her race to ensure she was mentally ready to win.

"I am building my self-talk. I'm building my confidence in that moment. I am telling myself that I am already the Olympic champion," said Thomas. 

"I wrote down over and over every morning, while I was in Paris, that I will be the Olympic champion in my notes app, over and over and I envisioned the race all day, every day, imagining myself winning and crossing the line in front."

This mental fortitude, combined with the unwavering support of partners like McManes, has made Thomas unstoppable. 

Her engagement in March 2025 was another highlight, taking place during a romantic staycation in Austin.

 McManes popped the question on the rooftop of a Travis Heights Airbnb, a surprise that Thomas—usually hard to fool—never saw coming. Whether on the track or celebrating personal milestones, Gabby Thomas continues to win at life.