Thomas runs world-leading split to secure fifth gold medal; fastest by a collegiate athlete at Franklin Field, including Penn Relays

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Gabby Thomas delivered one of the most heroic anchor legs in the 4x400 relay Sunday at the Ivy League Heptagonal Outdoor Championships, but the 49.44-second split by the Harvard junior is also one of the most historic efforts, not only at Franklin Field, but ever produced by a collegiate female athlete.

Facing a 2.8-second deficit entering the final leg, competing against Columbia’s Akua Obeng-Akrofi – who represented Ghana at both the IAAF World Outdoor Championships and Commonwealth Games – Thomas rallied Harvard to a thrilling victory by a 3:36.35 to 3:36.39 margin in Philadelphia. RESULTS

“My anchor is really memorable to me because not only is it a huge PR for my 400 split, but because of what it meant to my team,” said Thomas, who secured five gold medals to earn most outstanding female performer honors and help Harvard place second overall with 114 points behind host Penn with 177.

“At the end of the championships, Harvard is down and we’re going to come in second (behind Penn) and nobody felt like running. We were all tired. So it took a lot for me mentally to see Columbia 30 meters ahead of me and fight to get that winning spot.

“Of course, I believed in myself, but it was painful and I knew it would be. But the run means a lot to me because I put it all out there for the team and it’s given me another chance to represent Harvard and show that we are fast, we are committed and we are fierce. The result is just icing on the cake and I’m ecstatic about my 49.4.”

Thomas’ split is the fastest in the world this year, just ahead of the 49.45 third leg run March 31 by Kentucky freshman Sydney McLaughlin at the Pepsi Florida Relays.

It is also the fastest 4x400 leg recorded by a collegiate female athlete at Franklin Field, including the annual Penn Relays. Texas’ Courtney Okolo previously had the distinction, running 49.7 on the second leg at the 2014 Penn Relays.

Only a 48.7 split by Michelle Collins during USA vs. The World competition in 2000 ranks ahead of Thomas among the fastest 4x400 legs produced by an American at Franklin Field.

“I was definitely surprised with how low my split was. I wasn’t expecting to ever run a 400 that fast, even with my speed endurance,” Thomas said. “But I do know what I’m capable of and I do know that I’m a competitor and will not back down from winning. So I knew I’d do what it took to win the relay. I just didn’t think it would take a 49.4 split.”

Among the documented women’s 4x400 splits in collegiate history, only the 49.13 by Texas A&M’s Jessica Beard at the 2011 NCAA Outdoor Championships and the 49.41 anchor from Texas’ Chrisann Gordon at last year’s Division 1 final rank ahead of Thomas’ effort.

Thomas also enjoyed huge breakthrough in the long jump Saturday, also rallying to win the title in the final round.
Trailing Dartmouth’s Cha’Mia Rothwell on her final attempt, Thomas responded with a lifetime-best leap, soaring to a wind-aided 21-8.25 (6.61m) effort. Rothwell finished second at 20-4.25 (6.20m).

“I was very excited about the long jump,” said Thomas, who boasts a wind-legal best of 20-7 (6.27m) from last year’s Heps final.

“It is a huge PR for me. I was behind in the competition, and I wanted to win badly. So in that moment, I said, ‘I’m going to just have to stop playing it safe and just put it all out there, so that's what I did.’ Everyone was shocked.

“While I won’t be jumping at regionals, I am really excited to just see what I never knew I was capable of. So I’m sure that this energy will carry over to my 100 and 200.”

Thomas, who also helped Harvard win the 4x100 championship in 45.16, is scheduled to compete next May 24 at the NCAA East Regionals in Tampa, Fla. She is only expected to race in the 100 and 200 after capturing both Heps titles in 11.27 and 22.76.

Thomas is the 200 collegiate leader with a wind-legal 22.32 seconds and has a wind-legal season best of 11.26 in the 100.

“I’m not sure what my coach (Kebba Tolbert) has in store. I imagine a couple of hard days to keep my fitness up, but mostly maintaining my strength levels now and making sure that I recover and take care of myself – that’s key,” said Thomas, who ran a wind-aided 22.13 on March 31 at the 91st Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays, making her the No. 6 performer under all conditions in the 200 in collegiate history.

“Personally, what’s worked for me the best has been bringing real intensity to training and taking risks when I run to figure out what works and what doesn’t. I’m excited though. I’ll be ready when it’s time to go to regionals.”