Multiple Olympics champion Gabby Thomas has revealed how she has been encouraged to leave a lasting legacy thanks to mentorship from US tennis legend Billie Jean King.

American sprint queen Gabby Thomas is thrilled that she got to get some words of wisdom from tennis great Billie Jean King.

Thomas met King at the 38th annual Footwear News Achievement Awards gala where the two shared the stage and after that, she was among female athletes who received some mentorship from the tennis icon.

The 27-year-old says meeting King was not just a major honour but she also got valuable lessons that she is set to put into practice, especially when it comes to the legacy she wants to leave behind when she retires from sport.

“Thank you @BillieJeanKing for sharing such inspiring words to everyone in the room but especially to us female athletes. Leaving my sport (and beyond) better than I found it is a legacy I aspire to have,” Thomas posted on her X account.

King, now 80, and also known as BJK, is highly regarded in the world of sport as she is an American former world No.1 tennis player who won 39 Grand Slam titles: 12 in singles, 16 in women’s doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles.

She was a member of the victorious US team in seven Federation Cups and nine Wightman Cups and continues to be an inspiration to many women in sports across the world.

Olympics 100m hurdles champion Masai Russell is struggling with different thoughts since acquiring a new house with the process of moving in proving difficult.

Kenyan athletes Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet also had the privilege of meeting her in New York in September when they received the Golden Plate by the Academy of Achievers of the United States of America following their successful 2024 track season.