Gabby Thomas Joins Athletes for Hope Leadership Council
SPORTS
Gabby Thomas joins Stephen Curry, Katie Ledecky, Nathan Chen, and Elena Delle Donne on the organization's Athlete Leadership Council.
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas is taking on a new role that extends her influence beyond the track. Today, the nationally recognized nonprofit Athletes for Hope (AFH) announced that Thomas has joined its Athlete Leadership Council, a group of elite competitors dedicated to community service and youth empowerment.
Thomas joins a high-profile roster on the council, including fellow Olympic champions Stephen Curry, Katie Ledecky, Nathan Chen, and Elena Delle Donne.
A Legacy of Impact
Founded in 2006 by a cohort of sports legends, including Muhammad Ali, Mia Hamm, Andre Agassi, and Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Athletes for Hope was established to help athletes find their philanthropic passions. Thomas’ appointment marks a full-circle moment for the organization, as she fills a leadership seat once held by Joyner-Kersee, one of the founding members.
"Sport has given me so much, and community has always been at the heart of my journey," Thomas said of the appointment. "Working with Athletes for Hope is an opportunity for me to give back and use my platform to show how sports can make a difference in the lives of others."
Advocating for Youth Wellness: The CHAMPS Program
As part of the Leadership Council, Thomas will specifically champion the CHAMPS program, AFH's flagship school-based initiative. The program is designed to promote physical and mental wellness, leadership, and movement among elementary school students in underserved communities.
The scale of the program is significant:
Monthly Reach: CHAMPS impacts over 318,000 children every month.
Network: The program is active in more than 1,300 schools across the United States.
Methodology: It utilizes an expert-designed curriculum led by professional, collegiate, and Olympic athlete mentors to build healthy habits and confidence.
The Road to 2026 and 2028
The announcement comes as the global sports community prepares for upcoming major events, including the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games and the LA28 Summer Games. For Athletes for Hope, bringing in active, world-class leaders like Thomas is a strategic move to inspire the next generation during peak periods of athletic visibility.
“Gabby brings extraordinary credibility as a world-class athlete and leader who understands the power of service,” said Jason Belinkie, CEO of Athletes for Hope.
Thomas will begin her work immediately, focusing on youth engagement and mentorship initiatives that aim to bridge the gap between high-performance sports and community health.