Harvard standout looks to build on momentum from Texas Relays with wind-legal efforts in Miami

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Gabby Thomas is hoping her next great run isn’t gone with the wind.

After running personal bests under all conditions in both the 100 and 200 meters March 31 at the 91st Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays, the Harvard junior standout is seeking the same speed, with less wind Saturday in Miami at the Hurricane Alumni Invitational.

“I’m really hoping the wind is cooperative,” said Thomas, who produced wind-aided marks of 11.04 and 22.13 in Austin.

“I ran them pretty well and it was really encouraging for a season opener. Since they were wind-aided and our next couple of meets aren’t the most competitive, I’m going to compete in Miami to try to get some wind-legal times.”

Thomas set the collegiate 200 record March 10 at the NCAA Division 1 Indoor Championships in College Station, Texas, by clocking 22.38, which is faster than her wind-legal outdoor best 22.47 from 2016.

Her 200 victory at Texas Relays was the second-fastest outdoor time in the world this year under all conditions. Only five female athletes have run faster under all conditions in Division 1 history.

“The next couple of weeks are going to be some good prep for regionals, with some intensity as well as proper rest,” Thomas said. “I’ll be jumping at Yale and doing relays at Kansas Relays, so the next time I do individual events will be conference (May 5-6). So Miami is a good opportunity.”

Thomas ran a wind-legal 22.60 to win last season at the Pepsi Florida Relays in Gainesville, before placing third for the second straight year at the NCAA outdoor final.

With one collegiate record already secure, Thomas is now pursuing the 22.02 outdoor mark set at last year’s Division 1 championship meet by former Florida star Kyra Jefferson.

“I’m excited to see what I do this weekend,” Thomas said. “And I’ll be praying for sub-22 in June if everything goes well.”