Gabby Thomas will miss the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo due to injury

Three-time Olympic champion Gabby Thomas will miss the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo from September 13 to 21 with an Achilles injury. Gabby Thomas was scheduled to compete in the 200m at the World Championships in Japan.

“It’s tough news, and I know some track fans will be disappointed”, said Gabby Thomas in a statement. “But I’ve come to accept that it’s okay to be human and prioritize my health”, added she.

Gabby Thomas, who was also a member of the American 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams that won gold at last year’s Olympics in Paris, secured her berth for the World Championships by finishing third at the US championships.

“I was a little nervous about sharing my injury news, but I have been met with so much support from partners and track fans”, said Gabby Thomas, who had not competed since her national championships.

Her injury will open up a spot on the team for McKenzie Long, who secured a spot at the worlds with the Diamond Trophy. McKenzie Long finished runner-up at the US Championships but has a season-high time of 21.93 sec.