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Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Thomas Joins Athletes for Hope Athlete Leadership Council

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Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Thomas Joins Athletes for Hope Athlete Leadership Council

Posted: Updated: by Jasmine Moore

Thomas joins fellow Olympic gold medalists Stephen Curry, Katie Ledecky, Nathan Chen, and Elena Delle Donne on AFH’s Athlete Leadership Council

BETHESDA, MD, January 15, 2026 – One of America’s most celebrated track stars, Gabby Thomas, is stepping into a new lane of leadership off the track. Today, Athletes for Hope (AFH) announced that the three-time Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas joins Stephen Curry, Katie Ledecky, Nathan Chen, and Elena Delle Donne on the organization’s Athlete Leadership Council. Thomas’ new role follows in the footsteps of Jackie Joyner-Kersee, a founding athlete of Athletes for Hope alongside Olympic icons Muhammad Ali, Mia Hamm, and Andre Agassi.

With global attention building toward Milan-Cortina 2026 and LA28, Thomas is using her platform to highlight the importance of giving back and inspire others to do so, drawing on the role community has played throughout her career and her desire to make a lasting difference in the lives of others. 

“Sport has given me so much, and community has always been at the heart of my journey,” said Thomas. “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 by turning passion into impact.”

2024 Paris Olympic Games

In joining Athletes for Hope, Thomas will champion the organization’s CHAMPS program. CHAMPS is a school-based program that uses sport to promote mental and physical wellness, leadership, and daily movement among underserved elementary school students. Each month, the program impacts over 318,000 kids across more than 1,300 schools nationwide. Led by professional, Olympic, Paralympic, and collegiate athletes, CHAMPS connects students with athlete mentors and an expert-designed curriculum that builds healthy habits, confidence, and mind-body connection.

“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. “Her commitment to inspiring the next generation will help us expand the reach and impact of our CHAMPS program, empowering young people to build confidence, leadership skills, and lifelong healthy habits.”

Thomas will begin her work with Athletes for Hope immediately, supporting the organization’s CHAMPS program through youth-focused engagement, athlete mentorship initiatives, and community-based programming designed to make a lasting impact in the lives of students and athletes.

To learn more, please visit AthletesForHope.org. 

About Athletes for Hope

Founded in 2006 by Muhammad Ali, Mia Hamm, Andre Agassi, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Alonzo Mourning, Jeff Gordon, Warrick Dunn and 5 other legendary athletes. AFH educates, encourages, and empowers professional, Olympic, Paralympic, college and high school athletes to find their philanthropic passions and volunteer with community organizations and schools across the U.S. AFH is now led by the next generation of athlete leaders, including Stephen Curry, Katie Ledecky, Nathan Chen, and Elena Delle Donne, and has become the largest athlete-led sports non-profit in the U.S. with thousands of athlete members. Our core programs focus on underserved youth physical activity, leadership, mental health, positively impacting more than 318,000 underserved students every month.

AFH News

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

Athletes for Hope Continues Founders’ Legacies Through Athlete Leadership Council

Over seventeen years ago, a group of elite athletes came together to form the world’s leading sports philanthropy organization, Athletes for Hope (AFH). Since its inception AFH has worked with thousands of athletes worldwide, connecting with a minimum of 5 athletes a day, educating and engaging them on how to make the world a better place. 

Among the AFH Founding Athletes was “the Greatest,” Muhammad Ali. Regarded as one of the most significant sports figures of the 20th century and the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time, Ali’s greatest triumphs have taken place outside of the ring as a leader and champion of life.

Through his humanitarian efforts, he has perhaps contributed more than any other athlete to make the world a better place. Recipient of the 1997 Arthur Ashe Courage Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005, Muhammad leaves a legacy that continues to inspire people all over the world.

During the month of Ali’s birthday, a symbol of resilience, advocacy, and philanthropy, Athletes for Hope announces its launch of the newly formed Athlete Leadership Council (ALC) that will play a crucial role in carrying forward Ali’s vision by leveraging the influence of athletes to create positive social change.

Spearheaded by esteemed athletes Stephen Curry, Katie Ledecky and Nathan Chen, the ALC is a nod to the AFH Founding Athletes as the generational athletes of today continue on their legacy by inspiring the next generation of sports leaders.

Stephen Curry underneath a rainbow parachute that is being held up by young kids, who can be seen in the background. Stephen is holding a Curry Brand basketball, an Eat. Learn. Play. shirt and a hat. He is smiling up at the camera.
Katie Ledecky
Nathan Chen

“It means so much to be able to continue the legacy of AFH Founding Athletes like Muhammad Ali, Mia Hamm, Andre Agassi, Alonzo Mourning and others who joined forces to create Athletes for Hope over 17 years ago,” said Stephen Curry, renowned NBA Superstar and Co-Founder of Eat. Learn. Play. “It’s a privilege to carry forward their shared belief that all athletes- no matter what level, background or phase in their career- have the innate ability to make the world a better place.”

The Athlete Leadership Council will focus on collaborative efforts and inspiring the next generation of athletes to address social issues, support charitable causes, and positively engage with communities globally.

AFH remains committed to creating a world where athletes can contribute meaningfully to society beyond their athletic achievements, with a focus on athlete volunteerism and addressing physical health and mental health in communities all over the world.

Athletes for Hope is free of charge to athletes of any level. If you are a current or retired athlete looking to make a difference in your community, we invite you to work with us!