Olympian Gabby Thomas has called out a heckler for his inappropriate behavior during a recent track meet. The heckler, who was identified as “Mr 100K a day” on social media, proudly shared a video of himself shouting personal insults at Thomas during the race. He went as far as claiming credit for causing Thomas to lose and winning a bet as a result. Thomas, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, expressed her dismay at the heckler’s behaviour and condemned anyone who supported or encouraged him, describing it as “gross.”
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The incident took place at the Grand Slam Track meet at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, where Thomas finished fourth in the 100-meter race and second in the 200-meter sprint. Following the race, the heckler took to social media to boast about his actions, prompting Thomas to respond publicly. She recounted how the man followed her around the track, hurling insults even as she interacted with fans, most of whom were children. Thomas called out the heckler’s behaviour and urged people not to support such disrespectful conduct.
In response to the supportive comments on her post, Thomas expressed her disbelief at the heckler’s actions, referring to him as a “weirdo.” She highlighted the absurdity of the situation, noting that while heckling may be tolerable to some extent, being followed around the stadium crossed a line. Thomas decided to share her experience online to expose the heckler’s actions, especially after he boasted about it. The support she received from her followers and fans further reinforced her stance against such behaviour.
Videos shared by the heckler online captured moments where he verbally attacked Thomas, referring to her as a “choke artist” and making inappropriate remarks about her engagement to a white man. The comments from the heckler, who targeted Thomas, a Black athlete, drew condemnation from viewers both online and at the event. Calls for the heckler to be banned from future events surfaced, with people expressing disgust at his behaviour. The organization behind the track meet, Grand Slam Track, assured that they are investigating the incident and plan to take appropriate action against the heckler.
A spokesperson for Grand Slam Track, Callum Squires, addressed the issue, stating that they are conducting a thorough investigation into the reprehensible behaviour exhibited by the heckler. Squires emphasised that such despicable conduct would not be tolerated, and measures would be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. The response from the organisation reflects a commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for athletes and spectators alike.
The incident involving Gabby Thomas and the heckler sheds light on the challenges that athletes, especially those from marginalised communities, face both on and off the field. It underscores the importance of addressing disrespectful behaviour and ensuring that sports events remain spaces of support and encouragement. Thomas’ decision to speak out against the heckler sets an example for standing up against harassment and discrimination in sports, promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity.