'People assume I'm sort of a genius'- When Gabby Thomas opened on how she got into Harvard

Olympic champion Gabby Thomas has found herself in the spotlight recently, not for her athletic achievements, but for an online exchange questioning her intelligence.

The situation unfolded after a user on X (formerly Twitter) made a dismissive comment about her intellect. Thomas, in response, pointed to her Harvard degree as evidence of her capabilities.

The exchange sparked a heated debate online. While many supporters rallied behind Thomas, affirming her intelligence and her prestigious academic background, others were quick to challenge her, arguing that a degree from Harvard does not necessarily equate to intelligence.

Some even questioned the legitimacy of her degree, prompting a reflective response from the athlete.

Thomas has previously spoken openly about her journey to Harvard. In an episode of Why Not Me? with Mike Jackson, she addressed misconceptions about her academic and athletic background.

Contrary to assumptions that she had an impeccable academic record or benefited from sports scholarships, Thomas revealed her path was grounded in persistence and authenticity.

“I think a lot of people assume I’m some sort of genius or come from a privileged background,” she said.

“But the truth is, I was a normal student. I had a couple of C’s on my transcript. I wasn’t the best student, but I did my work, stayed consistent, and always gave my best effort.”

Thomas’ journey is particularly notable because Ivy League schools like Harvard do not offer athletic scholarships.

Instead, they recruit athletes based on a combination of academic performance, personal qualities, and extracurricular achievements. For Thomas, it was this holistic approach that secured her admission.

“During my application, I just was myself,” she explained.

“When I did my interviews, I showcased that I was a person eager to learn, had passions in life, and wanted to go to Harvard to make the world a better place. That’s really all they’re looking for.”

Thomas emphasized that Ivy League schools are not exclusively seeking perfection. Instead, they value individuals who demonstrate resilience, authenticity, and a commitment to growth.

Thomas graduated from Harvard University in 2019 with a degree in neuroscience and a minor in global health and health policy, according to the university. She later obtained a master's degree in public health from the University of Texas at Austin