Mobile Grandpa Beams as Gabby Thomas Wins Gold in Paris

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Stanley King couldn’t be prouder. His granddaughter, Gabby Thomas, just brought home not one, but two gold medals from the 2024 Paris Olympics.

She sprinted her way to victory in the 200-meter dash and the 4×100-meter relay, making her family, her community, and her grandpa beam with pride.

Stanley, who serves as a pastor at New Hope Baptist Church on Dauphin Island Parkway, is still buzzing with excitement.

“She’s always been active,” Stanley shared, reflecting on Gabby’s journey. “She was destined for sports, and it’s incredible to see where her hard work has taken her.”

Gabby ThomasPhoto byGabby Thomas Instagram

From Soccer Star to Track Sensation

Gabby wasn’t always a track star. In fact, she spent most of her school years on the soccer field.

But one day, she was convinced to give track a try, and boy, did she run with it!

Her talent quickly shone through, and she made a name for herself in Massachusetts before taking on the world stage.

Watching her race in Paris, Stanley could barely contain his excitement. And it’s not just him—Gabby’s achievements have become the talk of the town at New Hope Baptist Church.

“They’re all cheering for her,” Stanley said with a smile. “Everyone’s been following her journey, and they’re just as proud as I am.”

Education First, Medals Second

While Gabby’s Olympic success is a huge deal, Stanley is equally proud of her focus on education.

Gabby isn’t just an athlete; she’s a scholar with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree under her belt.

And she’s not stopping there—Gabby dreams of opening a medical clinic, and her grandpa is confident she’ll achieve that goal too.

“Her goal is to open up a medical clinic, you know, and I pray that she’s as successful at that as she is in track and field,” Stanley shared, his voice filled with hope and faith.

A Community Cheering Her On

As the Olympics draw to a close, Stanley’s pride in his granddaughter couldn’t be greater.

He knows that wherever life takes her next, Gabby will carry that gold medal mentality with her, both on and off the track.

And as for New Hope Baptist Church, they’ll keep cheering her on, just like they’ve always done.

After all, Gabby isn’t just an Olympic champion—she’s their very own hometown hero, and her journey is far from over.

In the words of a proud grandpa, “We’ll keep praying, cheering, and supporting her every step of the way.”

And with that, the entire Port City can share in the joy of watching one of their own shine on the world stage.

Sources:

• Grandfather of Olympic athlete Gabby Thomas proud of granddaughter’s achievements
• Paris Olympics Golds in Hand, Gabby Thomas’ Life Goal Away From Track and Field Revealed by Grandfather