Olympian Gabby Thomas Voices Concerns Over Being Followed by ‘Aggressive and Hostile’ Men
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US Olympian Gabrielle Thomas recently took to social media to express her distress over experiencing harassment from a group of middle-aged men at airports across the country. The three-time gold medalist shared in a TikTok video on Tuesday, Jan. 28, that she feels like she is being stalked and is seeking advice on how to handle the situation.
The 28-year-old, who achieved gold in the women’s 200m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, recounted how these individuals have been approaching her in various cities, requesting her to sign numerous photos of herself. Thomas described feeling anxious every time she travels, fearing that these men, numbering between three to six, will show up and harass her.
According to Thomas, the encounters have taken place not only outside the airport but also at her gate inside the terminal. She expressed concern over the men seemingly having access to her flight information, raising questions about how they obtained such details. Despite changing her email passwords to safeguard her privacy, the situation persists.
The Olympian highlighted instances where the men became hostile and aggressive towards her and her boyfriend, former Yale University football player Spencer McManes. Thomas lamented feeling unsafe and vulnerable during her travels, emphasising the importance of respecting personal boundaries and privacy.
In her plea for advice from followers, Thomas expressed uncertainty about how to address the situation, particularly given the multi-city nature of the harassment. She revealed feeling hesitant to involve local law enforcement in Austin, Texas, where she resides, due to the unknown whereabouts of the men who have been following her.
Thomas stressed the need for privacy and safety while travelling and expressed frustration over the lack of respect shown towards her boundaries. She recounted instances where the men provided inconsistent explanations when questioned about how they tracked her movements, further deepening her concerns about the situation.
The athlete’s video has sparked discussions about the safety of public figures and the challenges they face in maintaining personal security amidst public interactions. Thomas’s courage in speaking out about her experiences serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing harassment and respecting individuals’ autonomy.
As the Olympic champion navigates this troubling ordeal, her openness about the matter has drawn attention to the broader issue of safety and privacy for high-profile individuals. With the support of her fans and followers, Gabby Thomas is seeking solutions to ensure her well-being and security while pursuing her athletic endeavours.