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Gabby Thomas Seeks Help After Alleged Stalking at Airports
Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas has reached out to her followers for support and advice following distressing incidents involving a group of men stalking her at airports across the United States.
In a recent TikTok post, Thomas, a five-time Olympic medalist, detailed her unsettling experiences, where these men have appeared at airport terminals while she travels. She described them asking her to sign photographs, suggesting they might be resellers. However, she expressed concerns about their aggressive behavior during encounters when she declined to comply with their demands.
“These incidents don’t seem to be restricted to any single location,” Thomas explained. “They’ve approached me everywhere: from Chicago to Miami, and they seem to know my travel schedule.” She mentioned that the men, ranging from three to six in number, not only meet her at the airport exits but also track her movements within the airport itself, indicating that they may possess tickets and go through security.
Thomas revealed that these encounters become particularly alarming when she is alone. The knowledge that they have access to her flight details without her having shared that information is deeply unsettling for her.
“It’s frightening that they know my travel schedule, especially given that I sometimes don’t even know the details myself,” Thomas stated.
Previously, Thomas showcased impressive athleticism at the Olympics in Paris, where she earned three gold medals, a significant improvement from her previous performances in Tokyo. Many have looked up to her as a role model, as she maintained a rigorous training regimen while pursuing neurobiology studies at Harvard and volunteering at a health clinic in Austin, Texas.
Now, with over 260,000 followers, Thomas is navigating this unsettling situation and seeking strategies to reclaim her sense of safety during her travels.
“I’m at a loss for what to do,” she admitted. “Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.”
Responses from her followers have varied, with many expressing concern for her well-being. Fellow athlete Ilona Maher remarked that the situation was “so scary.”
In response to such comments, Thomas confidently stated, “Once I devise a plan, they won’t be able to harass anyone else.” She also received support from tennis star Coco Gauff, who revealed she has faced similar experiences, hinting that someone at the airport might be alerting the stalkers.
Several commenters suggested actions to take, including contacting law enforcement or checking for any apps linked to her personal data that these men might be exploiting.
One recommendation involved documenting the incidents by reporting them to the local police and airport security, allowing a record to be established. Others thought she could discourage the men by filming them during their approaches.
Thomas shared a video of her experience at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, where she accused the men of stalking her. In the clip, one man appeared to cover his face as she captured the moment on her camera.
“I filmed this as they were following me past TSA,” she noted. “I will pursue the appropriate authorities to report this. Continuing to document these incidents seems to repel them.”
This situation highlights the growing concerns regarding personal safety and privacy in public spaces, stressing the importance of awareness and community support for individuals facing such challenges.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com.
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