Grand Slam Track has launched a full investigation into the alleged abuse of three-time Olympic gold medallist Gabby Thomas during a recent meet in Philadelphia. The incident, which occurred over the weekend, has sparked outrage in the athletics community.

Incident Details

Gabby Thomas, who won three gold medals at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, took to social media to describe the disturbing encounter. She reported that a man followed her around the track and later shouted personal insults as she signed autographs for fans.

"Honestly, the heckling is tolerable, but following me around the stadium is wild," Thomas, 28, wrote in a post on X. She also criticized those who supported the man’s actions online, calling them "gross."

Video Evidence

In response to Thomas's initial post, the man shared a video of himself heckling her at the starting line of the 100m race. Thomas finished fourth in the race, with Melissa Jefferson-Wooden taking first place. The man, who posts sports betting videos on YouTube, claimed that his heckling caused Thomas to lose and helped him win money. He posted images of his winning bets after backing Jefferson-Wooden.

Official Statement

In a statement to The Athletic, the event organizers condemned the behavior and assured the public that they are taking the matter seriously. "Grand Slam Track is conducting a full investigation into the reprehensible behavior captured on video. We are working to identify the individual involved and will take appropriate action as necessary," they said. The organizers also promised to implement additional safeguards to prevent such incidents in the future.

Community Reaction

The athletics community has rallied behind Thomas, with many calling for stricter measures to protect athletes from abuse. This incident highlights the need for better security and support for athletes, especially during public events.

Conclusion

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes. Grand Slam Track has vowed to take all necessary steps to address the issue and prevent future occurrences.