Olympic champion Gabby Thomas has apologized after facing backlash over a viral video in which she failed to recognize Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt from a childhood photograph.
The moment came during an Olympics-themed social media video featuring Thomas, who was shown photographs of notable athletes and asked to identify them.
When a young photograph of Bolt appeared, Thomas struggled to identify him, even after being given clues by the interviewer. She eventually moved on without correctly naming the eight-time Olympic gold medalist.
Thomas also laughed during the exchange, a part of the interaction that drew additional criticism after the clip circulated online.
Fans React to the Video
The video quickly sparked discussion across social media, with many viewers expressing surprise that Thomas did not recognize Bolt, one of the most recognizable figures in the history of track and field.
Some users questioned how familiar Thomas was with prominent athletes from previous generations, while others argued that the moment was simply an unfortunate case of struggling with an old photograph.
The reaction eventually spread to Thomas’ social media accounts, with the Olympic champion saying that her comments and direct messages were flooded across multiple platforms.
Some social media personalities also weighed in, defending Bolt’s legacy while criticizing Thomas for not recognizing him. Some encouraged her to become more familiar with the history and athletes who helped shape the sport.
Gabby Thomas Apologizes
Thomas eventually addressed the controversy on X, formerly known as Twitter, acknowledging that she should have recognized Bolt and should not have laughed during the moment.
In her first post, she wrote:
“I want to genuinely apologize to everyone I upset for not recognizing Usain Bolt in his baby photo the other day on the Olympics social media video. I shouldn’t have laughed about it either. I am so embarrassed. I promise to unpack this and will do better.”
Thomas followed up by explaining that she grew up watching Bolt and other Black track athletes and that they had been an important part of her generation’s exposure to the sport.
“I grew up watching Usain Bolt among many other Black track athletes. They inspired me and showed my generation of athletes what Black excellence looks like (on and off the track). I know what he and Noah look like- their baby photos just stumped me. But they shouldn’t have. I would choose to be black in every lifetime 🫶🏼”
Thomas was referring to American sprinter Noah Lyles, another prominent athlete whose childhood image was part of the discussion surrounding the challenge.
“I Really Upset My Community”
Thomas later explained why she decided to respond publicly despite normally choosing not to engage with criticism online.
“I normally wouldn’t respond, but my comments and DMs are being flooded on every social platform. I fear I really upset my community.”
The controversy comes despite Thomas having established herself as one of the leading figures in American sprinting.
At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Thomas won gold in the women’s 200 meters and also helped the United States win gold in the women’s 4×100-meter and 4×400-meter relays, giving her three Olympic gold medals at the Games.
Her comments also come at a time when discussions surrounding track and field’s history and its legendary figures continue to receive significant attention online.
For Thomas, what began as a lighthearted picture challenge has now become an unexpected social media controversy, with the Olympic champion acknowledging the mistake and apologizing to those who felt offended by the moment.