Grand Slam Track is Investigating the Alleged Abuse of Three-Time Olympic Gold Medallist Gabby Thomas at a Meet in Philadelphia over the Weekend…

Grand Slam Track is Investigating the Alleged Abuse of Three-Time Olympic Gold Medallist Gabby Thomas at a Meet in Philadelphia over the Weekend

 

Grand Slam Track, the new elite sprinting league founded by Olympic legend Michael Johnson, is investigating an incident involving alleged abuse directed at American sprint star and three-time Olympic gold medallist Gabby Thomas during a meet in Philadelphia over the weekend. The league released a statement late Sunday evening confirming it had launched a formal inquiry, pledging to take “immediate and appropriate action” following the athlete’s account.

According to multiple eyewitnesses and a statement posted by Thomas on her social media, the incident occurred shortly after the women’s 200m final. While returning from the track to the athlete zone, Thomas was allegedly subjected to verbal abuse from an individual in an official capacity—reportedly a meet staff member—who directed inappropriate and “deeply disrespectful” language at the sprinter.

“I’ve worked my entire career to compete at the highest level with integrity and focus,” Thomas wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “What happened in Philadelphia this weekend was unacceptable, not just to me, but to every athlete who deserves respect, safety, and professionalism. I expect better—from organizers, from staff, from this sport.”

Thomas, a Harvard graduate and one of the most visible faces in American track and field, is known for her outspoken advocacy for athlete rights and her leadership both on and off the track. Her post sparked an outpouring of support from fellow athletes, including Noah Lyles, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and Athing Mu, who each condemned the incident and called for accountability within the sport.

In response, Grand Slam Track emphasized its commitment to athlete safety and dignity, noting that the Philadelphia meet was managed in collaboration with local partners, and that its internal code of conduct applies to all staff, volunteers, and affiliated personnel.

“We are aware of the allegations made by Gabby Thomas and are treating them with the utmost seriousness,” the league’s statement read. “There is zero tolerance for any form of abuse, harassment, or misconduct at Grand Slam Track events. We have launched a full investigation and are working closely with all relevant parties to determine exactly what occurred. Appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken based on the findings.”

The league has also stated that it is reviewing its on-site protocols and staffing processes to prevent similar incidents in the future. This includes a reassessment of training standards for event personnel and the establishment of an independent athlete ombudsman to handle complaints swiftly and impartially.

For many, this incident is a reminder that while Grand Slam Track is striving to usher in a more athlete-centered era for the sport, culture shifts are never without challenges. Still, Johnson and his team have publicly affirmed that the integrity of their mission—to elevate track and field while protecting and empowering athletes—remains unchanged.

“Gabby is a champion on and off the track,” Johnson said in a brief statement. “She deserves our full support, and we will ensure that this matter is handled with the transparency and seriousness it warrants.”

As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight remains on Grand Slam Track to demonstrate that its promises of change extend beyond format and prize money—to a fundamental respect for the athletes who make the sport what it is.