Olympic Champion Gabby Thomas Withdraws From Tokyo World Championships With Achilles Injury

Gabby Thomas, the reigning 200m Olympic champion and defending World silver medalist, will miss the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo due to a persistent Achilles tendon injury. She had been managing the injury since May but worsened it in July, leading her and her coach to decide on withdrawing for long-term health. Thomas earned her spot on the US team with a narrow third-place finish at the national championships but acknowledged the importance of patience and recovery over competing while injured. Her absence opens opportunities for other athletes like McKenzie Long to compete in the 200m at Worlds. Thomas expressed understanding of the disappointment her withdrawal may cause but emphasized self-care and plans to return for the 2026 season. The US team continues to fill out its roster, with Brittany Brown and others qualifying through recent competitions.