Brittany Brown gets statement win over Gabby Thomas- will she get the respect she deserves now?  

Brittany Brown has been an under-the-radar figure, often overshadowed by athletes who took more conventional routes to stardom. Unlike many top sprinters, Brown never won an NCAA championship nor made waves at early Olympic trials or significant games. However, 2024 proved to be her breakout season, which solidified her place among the world’s best in the 200m. With consistency and a series of standout performances, Brown showed she belongs at the top, finally demanding the respect she deserved.

29 Brown might be considered a late bloomer by some standards, but she came into her own this season. Her third-place finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics was a statement in itself, competing alongside the world’s elite sprinters, including Gabby Thomas and Julian Alfred. While she narrowly missed Gold, the performance signaled that Brown could hold her against top-tier competition.

However, her dominance on the Diamond League circuit boosted her confidence. Brown clinched three Diamond League titles, including the prestigious final in Brussels, where she stormed to victory in 20.22s. Not only was this her first Diamond League final win, but it was a testament to her consistency and ability to perform under pressure when it matters most.

Brown also posted a new Personal Best in the 200m this year, clocking an impressive 21.90s at the US trials. This time reaffirmed her place among the fastest women in the world and hinted at her potential to continue improving in the years to come. Though some may argue that Gabby Thomas was fatigued when Brown bested her at the Athlos NYC meet late in the season, it’s difficult to ignore the psychological edge Brown gained from that victory. 

Going into 2025, she’ll carry the momentum of a season that saw her rise from relative obscurity to the world stage. Undoubtedly, the competition will remain fierce, particularly with the likely return of Jamaican superstar Shericka Jackson. Still, Brown is now firmly in the conversation as one of the best 200m sprinters in the world.

Brown’s finish in 2024 as number two in the 200m is a significant achievement. Her…