American 200m national champion Gabby Thomas has credited her Jamaican roots for her speed.

At a press conference ahead of the Monaco leg of the Wanda Diamond League, Thomas, whose father is Jamaican, made the remark while expressing that she was grateful for the support she gets from Jamaicans.

“I do really love the fanbase in Jamaica. They’re so amazing and supportive. I make sure that everyone knows that I am Jamaican because I do believe that’s where I get my fast roots from,” she told reporters.

“I’m not going to sugarcoat it, that’s what it is,” she continued.

The sprinter recorded a world-leading 21.60 on her way to winning the 200m at the US trials and now has her sights set on bringing that strong form to the upcoming World Championships in Budapest, noting that she’s looking forward to doing her best and making her family proud.

“I grew up loving Track and my family has always been a huge track family and so if I can just run, run well and make my grandfather and my dad proud, then I’m doing my job,” she said.