Gabby Thomas wins gold in 200, leading American track stars in final at Paris Olympics

The last time Gabby Thomas was at the Olympics, she was mostly there to have a good time. Then 24 years old, Thomas was competing in her first Games and learning on the fly.

But in Paris, she came for gold. And Tuesday night, she got it.

Thomas was in the lead as runners came around the curve, and looked in control the whole race. Her joy was evident as soon as she crossed the line first, screaming in celebration and overcome with emotion.

“I’ve envisioned this race in my head so many times over and over, as I do with every race,” said a beaming Thomas. “That’s how I win races. But I did not expect to feel how I felt when I crossed that line. You prepare for this moment and train so hard for this moment but when it actually comes, it’s indescribable.

“I never would have imagined in my wildest dreams that I would become an Olympic gold medalist and I am one. I’m still wrapping my head around that.”

Her secret to that strong, steady finish: pre-race burpees. Seriously.

American McKenzie Long, who finished seventh (22.42), couldn’t believe it when Thomas started hopping up and down in the call room.

Long wasn’t sure of Thomas’ reasoning but said “I’m gonna ask her.”

“I do it before every race in the call room, I do 10 because I need to keep my heart rate up,” Thomas said sheepishly. “It is really embarrassing but it clearly works.