Gabby Thomas apologizes after Usain Bolt photo blunder

American sprinter Gabby Thomas has issued a formal apology following social media backlash after failing to recognize Jamaican track legend Usain Bolt in a childhood photo during an Olympics social media trivia segment.

During the video, Thomas struggled to identify Bolt and also had difficulty recognizing American runner Noah Lyles. The incident drew criticism from fans who noted she correctly identified several white athletes but failed to recognize prominent Black runners.

In a statement on X, Thomas expressed her embarrassment and clarified her respect for Bolt, stating that he and other Black athletes inspired her generation by demonstrating ‘Black excellence’ on and off the track. She noted that while the baby photos stumped her, she holds deep admiration for the impact Bolt has had on the sport.