Grand Slam Track has launched an investigation following allegations that three-time Olympic gold medallist Gabby Thomas was subjected to harassment at a meet in Philadelphia over the weekend. The American sprinter took to X on Monday to share her experience of being followed around the stadium by a man who shouted personal insults at her while she signed autographs. Thomas described the persistent following as “wild,” noting that while heckling is sometimes bearable, being trailed throughout the venue crossed a line.
The man responsible, who shares sports betting content on YouTube, posted a video showing himself heckling Thomas at the starting line of the 100m race, which Thomas finished in fourth place behind winner Melissa Jefferson-Wooden. In a disturbing admission, he claimed his heckling helped him win money through bets placed on Jefferson-Wooden’s victory, posting images of his successful wagers and boasting about causing Thomas’s loss.
In response, Grand Slam Track organizers issued a statement condemning the “reprehensible behaviour” caught on video and confirmed they are working to identify the individual involved. The statement emphasized that such conduct is unacceptable and vowed to take appropriate action, including implementing new safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future. The organization made clear that they will not tolerate harassment or abuse at their events.
ADD A COMMENT :