Local runner, Gabby Thomas, makes second appearance on Olympic stage

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – Before taking home the Bronze and Silver medals at the Tokyo games in 2021, 2x Olympic sprinter Gabby Thomas started her journey in Northampton.

Gabby attended Williston Northampton School from 7th through 12th grade. 22News spoke with two of her former teachers and coach, who shared how they first met Gabby.

“I first saw her run when she was an 8th grader. And then in 9th grade, she was in my Algebra 2 class. Got to know her first as a student and then began coaching her that spring,” shared Marth McCullagh, Gabby Thomas’ High School Math Teacher and Track & Field Coach.

“I taught her English Junior and Senior years at Williston. I was one of the people that wrote her college recommendations,” said Kyle Hanford, Gabby Thomas’ High School English Teacher.

During Gabby’s time at Williston Northampton School, she set multiple records in the 100-meter, 200-meter, 4×100-meter relay, triple jump, and long jump. To this day, no one has broken that record.

Now she’s racing to the finish line in Paris, this time around with her high school track coach and teacher in the stands as she goes for the gold. Martha McCullagh has been supporting Gabby every step of the race. She planned to attend the Tokyo Olympics when Gabby made the Olympic team, but due to COVID-19, no spectators were allowed.

Standing in front of Notre Dame, Martha reflected on Gabby’s dedication to the sport, “Getting to the Olympics is a tremendous amount of hard work. And to be there once and then know what it takes to get back there again is a huge undertaking.”

Gabby’s high school English teacher, Kyle Hanford shared with 22News that her drive from an early age allowed her to make great strides outside of the track as well, “I think she recognized when I get into the classroom, that is the most important thing in this moment.”

Gabby’ committed to Harvard after high school and got her Master’s degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston .

Come later this week, it will be a moment all three will always remember. While Martha will be watching Gabby in the stands from Paris, other hometown supporters will join the Williston North Hampton School for a watch party on August 6th.

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