Track and field might be facing more challenges than many realize. While the sport already struggles with lower pay and limited media coverage compared to other professional leagues, another overlooked issue has come to light one that fans may not have considered before.
Have you ever noticed that track and field athletes rarely make bold fashion statements before their events? Unlike football and basketball players, who have dedicated locker rooms and tunnel shots showcasing their pregame style, track and field competitors lack similar opportunities. Olympic sprinter Gabby Thomas recently discussed this issue on ‘Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce’, revealing the behind-the-scenes struggles athletes face.
“We absolutely need to bring this to track and field,” Thomas said, explaining that some athletes have already started doing their own version of tunnel shots. However, there’s a major obstacle track and field events typically don’t provide locker rooms. Instead, athletes often change in porta-potties or small public restrooms after making their grand entrances. “We’ll just kind of go in this porta potty or little small public bathroom… and just like change into our uniforms,” she explained.
Even star sprinter Noah Lyles, known for his fashion-forward pre-race appearances, faces the same challenge. “He does it at every meet, like a really great fashion intro,” Thomas said. But even he has to find makeshift spaces to change. “We need venues that support that,” she continued. “Fashion is everywhere in track, and people in the sport are very into it.”
Gabby Thomas Opens Up About a Disturbing Stalking Incident
Beyond the track, Thomas recently shared a frightening experience with her followers on TikTok. She revealed that a group of middle-aged men has been tracking her movements at airports across the country, showing up at her gates with stacks of photos for autographs. These individuals somehow access her flight information even before she knows her own itinerary.
“It doesn’t matter what city… They’ve come when I was traveling to and from Chicago, they’ve come when I’m traveling to and from Miami,” Thomas explained. “They have my flight information even when I don’t even know what time I’m flying out sometimes I don’t tell anyone my flight information.”
Each time she encounters them, they become aggressive when she refuses to sign dozens of autographs, leaving her feeling trapped and unsafe. The situation has escalated to the point where she’s unsure where to turn for help, as the incidents happen in different locations, making it difficult to report to a single authority.
“I fear I’m being stalked, and I genuinely don’t know what to do or who to go to,” Thomas admitted.
This alarming situation raises concerns about athlete safety. Should stricter measures be in place to protect athletes from stalkers and aggressive autograph seekers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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