When Gabby Thomas announced her withdrawal from the Tokyo World Championships, it sent shockwaves across the track world. In her confession, she lashed out, “I am a human being first, and I am not a racecar. I’m not a source of entertainment for people, right? I need to take care of my own body and listen to it.” Thomas had been battling an Achilles tendon injury since May, yet she still competed at the USATF Championships, clocking 22.20s in the 200m. With Thomas stepping aside, McKenzie Long received the call to join the US team, a life-changing opportunity she seized with both hands, running with determination to prove she could be the perfect replacement.

She certainly flexed her class in the heats, scorching the 200m in a stellar 22.51s to claim victory in the third heat, with Asha

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