SAINT-DENIS, France — For months, Gabby Thomas has envisioned this race, from the pre-event light show at the Stade de France to the 10 burpees she does to stay warm in the call room to her strong start to her devastating finish in the 200 meters. She does that for every competition, and the image always ends with her arms thrust in the air, celebrating another victory. But not this time.
“I could not see that moment when I crossed the line,” she said. “My mind blanked out.”
