American sprinter Gabby Thomas has hit out at organizers of the Lausanne Diamond League after they included her in the women’s 200m race without her confirmation. The Olympic 200m champion expressed her disappointment, stating that she had not agreed to participate and was instead focusing on recovering from an Achilles injury ahead of the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
Thomas was named among a star-studded lineup that included reigning world champion Shericka Jackson, Olympic 100m champion and 200m silver medalist Julien Alfred, and former world champion Dina Asher-Smith. The announcement generated excitement from fans who were anticipating a thrilling showdown. However, Thomas quickly poured cold water on the hype.
Responding on social media, Thomas said she was surprised to see her name listed, clarifying that she had turned down the invitation. She added that while she was approached by the organizers, she never gave confirmation and had in fact declined the invitation. Her concern was that the announcement could damage her reputation by making it seem like she had pulled out of the race after committing.
Thomas emphasized that being listed without her consent created unnecessary pressure, especially while she is trying to manage her recovery. She stated that such actions could mislead fans and create false narratives around athletes’ decisions. With her Achilles still healing, the American sprinter underlined that her priority is to be fully healthy and ready for the World Championships, which are set for September in Tokyo.
The sprinter had already shown signs of struggle during the US Championships, where she competed through pain to finish third in the 200m final and secure her ticket to the global event. She had earlier pulled out of the 100m semi-finals to avoid worsening the injury.
Thomas’s comments raise questions about athlete management and communication protocols in elite athletics. The incident also highlights the pressure athletes face when announcements are made without proper verification. With her recovery ongoing, the American star remains focused on returning to peak form for what is expected to be one of the most competitive World Championships in recent memory.
