Olympic track star Gabby Thomas is racing toward a new finish line – transforming empty lots into thriving community gardens. The five-time Olympic medalist has partnered with Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day for their “Lots of Compassion” initiative, bringing green spaces to neighborhoods that need them most.
Thomas, 28, brings the same passion to public health advocacy that made her the second-fastest woman in history in the 200-meter sprint. Her commitment stems from personal experience with healthcare disparities and a lifelong mission to improve community wellbeing.
“I wanted to kind of commit my life to uplifting others,” Thomas told MadameNoire. “One thing my mom always told me was that you want to leave a place better than you found it, and I took that very seriously.”
Olympic Excellence Meets Public Health Expertise
Thomas cemented her athletic legacy at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials with an astonishing 21.61-second time in the 200-meter sprint. She improved this record to 21.60 seconds during the 2023 USATF Championships, firmly establishing herself among track and field’s elite performers.
Yet her achievements extend far beyond the track. Thomas earned a neurobiology and global health degree from Harvard University in 2019. She later completed a Master’s degree in epidemiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
This unique combination of athletic prowess and academic excellence positions Thomas perfectly for her advocacy work. She consistently uses her platform to encourage diversity in STEM fields, particularly for young people who look like her.
The Lots of Compassion Initiative: Transforming Communities
Through her partnership with Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, Thomas now helps convert vacant lots into vibrant community gardens. The initiative addresses a crucial need that Thomas has observed firsthand through her public health work.
“Many disadvantaged neighborhoods lack parks or community gardens, and as we know, built environments are part of the social determinants of health,” explained Thomas. “It’s a barrier to them getting outside, exercising, and feeling comfortable going for a walk.”
The program also helps channel the goodwill of Americans who want to support their communities but don’t know where to begin. According to research cited in the initiative, 90 percent of Americans desire to help their communities but often lack clear pathways to get involved.
Personal Connection to Green Spaces
For Thomas, who was born in Atlanta and raised in Northampton, Massachusetts, the impact of green spaces hits close to home. She sees their absence as a critical health issue affecting many communities.
“It’s a barrier to even just their mental health and going outside and getting fresh air and just feeling a community around them,” Thomas noted. “That leads to a lot of negative health effects down the line.”
The Olympic champion believes that small actions like planting seeds can spark meaningful change. These gardens create gathering spaces where families connect, children play, and residents find moments of peace and joy away from daily stresses.
Aligning Values with Action
Thomas carefully selects partnerships that reflect her personal values and mission. The collaboration with Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, a brand inspired by Iowa homemaker Thelma A. Meyer, represents a perfect alignment of these priorities.
“I love to align myself with brands and partnerships that align with my values; that’s a big part of what I do,” said Thomas. “I genuinely believe that small acts, whether it’s a community garden or simply uplifting others, have a huge impact.”
Her work combines her understanding of public health challenges with her belief in community solutions. The gardens provide physical and mental health benefits that Thomas has witnessed through her clinical experience with patients facing limited access to green spaces.
Advice for Young Changemakers
Thomas offers straightforward advice to young people inspired by her dual path in athletics and advocacy. Her message emphasizes determination coupled with social responsibility.
“What I always say is, work hard and give back when you can, because that’s what I’ve done and it’s got me here,” said Thomas. “Don’t let anybody tell you what you can or can’t do, and don’t let them set limitations on you.”
She particularly stresses the importance of remembering your roots. “Always remember to give back and look where you’ve come from. Make sure that you’re lifting the communities that you come from and wherever you’re taking up space, make sure that you’re improving that space.”
Through her continued excellence both on the track and in community development, Gabby Thomas demonstrates how athletic achievement can translate into meaningful social change. Her story shows that the finish line can be just the beginning of a different kind of race – one that everyone wins.
