Gabby Thomas is sick and tired of the doping problem in track and field. The American sprinter calls for harsher punishments, including lifetime bans. She wants anybody and everybody who allows this behavior to tarnish the sport to be eradicated — 

Gabby Thomas is sick and tired of the doping problem in track and field. The American sprinter calls for harsher punishments, including lifetime bans.

She wants anybody and everybody who allows this behavior to tarnish the sport to be eradicated —

 

American sprinter Gabby Thomas has had enough. In a sport that has long battled doping scandals, the Olympic medalist is speaking out forcefully, calling for tougher punishments—including lifetime bans—for those who cheat and for anyone complicit in enabling doping in track and field.

In recent months, the sport has seen a troubling surge of doping allegations and suspensions, leaving clean athletes frustrated and disillusioned. Thomas, one of the brightest stars in U.S. track and field, is not staying silent. She believes that lenient penalties and systemic failures are allowing cheaters to thrive, while honest athletes are left to suffer the consequences.

“I’m sick and tired of this being part of the conversation every single season,” Thomas said. “It’s not just about individual athletes making bad choices. It’s about the entire ecosystem that allows this behavior to continue.”

Thomas is calling for lifetime bans—not just for the athletes caught doping, but for the coaches, doctors, and organizations that knowingly facilitate or turn a blind eye to drug use. She argues that until the sport takes a truly hardline stance, it will never shake its reputation or protect its clean competitors.

“We need to completely eradicate the people who are tarnishing this sport,” she said. “Anybody and everybody who is complicit—get them out. Permanently.”

The 200m Olympic bronze medalist has long been known not only for her speed but also for her outspoken stance on integrity in sport. With the 2025 World Championships approaching, she says it’s more important than ever to demand real accountability.

“This isn’t just about fairness anymore,” she explained. “It’s about the credibility of our entire sport. If fans can’t trust what they’re watching, then we’ve already lost.”

Thomas’ frustration reflects a growing sentiment among elite athletes. Many feel that governing bodies aren’t doing enough, or are moving too slowly, to address the crisis. While some suspensions and investigations are ongoing, athletes like Thomas argue that the penalties are not severe enough to act as a true deterrent.

“There needs to be fear,” she said bluntly. “If you’re thinking about doping, you should know that it means the end of your career. No second chances.”

Thomas is also advocating for more transparency in the testing and adjudication processes, and better education for young athletes about the risks and consequences of doping. But above all, she believes that the culture of tolerance and loopholes must end.

As one of the most respected voices in the sport, Thomas hopes her message resonates—not just with fellow athletes, but with fans, sponsors, and sports officials around the world.

“We owe it to ourselves, to the next generation, and to the people who support us to keep this sport clean,” she said. “Enough is enough.”