‘I Would Have Written You Off’ - Serena Williams Taken Aback by Gabby Thomas’ Success Secrets

Gabby Thomas has shared her secrets to success with Serena Williams.

‘I Would Have Written You Off’ - Serena Williams Taken Aback by Gabby Thomas’ Success Secrets

Joel Omotto 13:21 - 16.11.2025

Tennis legend Serena Williams was left surprised when Olympics champion Gabby Thomas opened up about her secret ingredient to success.

Track star Gabby Thomas, whose 2025 season was cut short by an Achilles injury, recently sat down with tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams for a light-hearted interview.

The conversation took a humorous turn when Thomas revealed what she considers her secret weapon, prompting a playful challenge from Serena.

Despite her injury sidelining her from the World Athletics Championships, Thomas has remained a prominent figure, supporting fellow athletes like long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall at events such as Athlos NYC.

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Her last race was at the USA Championships, where she secured third place in the 200m with a time of 22.20 seconds.

During the interview, which was shared on Instagram, Thomas was asked about the key to her athletic success. "Probably my grit," she answered. "I’m just a very gritty athlete."

Off-Track Pursuits and Community Focus

Serena Williams, known for her own legendary tenacity, responded with a jest. "Honestly, if I were to look at you, I would be like, she don't look gritty," Williams joked. "I would have written you off. I'd be like, 'Imma outrun her'."

This candid exchange was part of a series where the Williams sisters also spoke with other track stars, including Sha’Carri Richardson and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden. The connection between Thomas and Richardson goes beyond the track, as both are founding advisor-owners and athlete investors in the Athlos brand.

With a long offseason for recovery, Thomas is channeling her energy into community and public health initiatives. According to a report from On3, the reigning 200m Olympic champion has partnered with Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day for its "Lots of Compassion" program, which transforms vacant lots into community gardens across the nation.

"During my time away from the track, I’m passionate about volunteering at my community health clinic to ensure I’m doing my part," Thomas explained. "Lots of Compassion goes hand in hand with my passion for public health because it cultivates compassion in our communities... which can actually improve the mental well-being of communities."

Thomas, who holds a degree in neurobiology and global health from Harvard University, also volunteers at a community health clinic in Austin, Texas, reinforcing her commitment to supporting underserved neighborhoods.

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