Jessika Gbai, 276 - From Central’s Halls to the Olympic Stage

Alumni Spotlight: Jessika Gbai, 276 – From Central’s Halls to the Olympic Stage

Jessika Gbai, 276, made headlines this summer as an Olympic finalist in the 200 meters at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Representing the Ivory Coast, Jessika’s journey from Philadelphia to the world stage is one of resilience, hard work, and a determination to succeed, no matter the obstacles.

We connected with Jessika and she reflected on her time at Central and how the school played a vital role in shaping her ambitions as an athlete and scholar.

Q: Reflecting on Your Time at Central High School: How did your experiences at Central High shape your aspirations and work ethic as an athlete? Were there any specific teachers, mentors, or moments during your time there that particularly influenced your journey?

A: My time at Central High School was transformative. It was where I forged lasting friendships and navigated the complexities of teenage life. Central High instilled in me a strong work ethic, discipline, and dedication—lessons I might not have learned elsewhere.

The school environment, particularly our training conditions, cultivated a mindset in me that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. Though I began running track towards the end of my high school career, Coach Fred McCray, 246, played a pivotal role in helping me realize my potential and the opportunities available both on and off the track. The rigorous academic curriculum also provided challenges that prepared me for success in college. Thanks to Central’s education and my experiences, I graduated from college with a double major, balancing hours of study and athletic training. Central taught me the value of being a student-athlete and the skills required to excel in both arenas.

Q: Overcoming Obstacles: I was moved by your quote, “It’s going to be the person who makes the best out of the challenges or the situation they’re in. Everyone has talent and skill, but can you stand the rain.” Can you share a specific example from your journey when facing a significant challenge or “standing the rain” played a crucial role in your success? How did this mindset help you navigate and overcome that particular hurdle?

A: Growing up in Philadelphia, I faced numerous challenges that seemed normal at the time but were actually quite significant. It wasn’t until I left the city that I realized these experiences were more than just part of life—they were obstacles that shaped my resilience. When I attended Howard University, I encountered additional hurdles due to the limited resources compared to many Division I programs. However, this environment forced me to adapt and make the most of what I had.

A vivid example of this was during my time at Central High School. Our training conditions were far from ideal; we practiced in a dimly lit basement and on a dirt track. These conditions often resulted in injuries like shin splints and made it difficult to maintain peak performance. Yet, despite these challenges, my teammates and I consistently showed up with a positive attitude, ready to give our best.

These tough conditions taught me invaluable lessons in perseverance and creativity. I learned to transform adversity into opportunity by focusing on the aspects we could control—our mindset and work ethic. This experience instilled in me a deep sense of grit and determination, helping me develop the resilience needed to overcome obstacles and achieve success. Embracing this mindset allowed me to excel despite the limitations, turning what seemed like setbacks into stepping stones for growth and achievement.

Q: Competing on the World Stage: What was the experience of competing in the 2024 Olympics like for you, both personally and professionally? How did it feel to represent your native country of Ivory Coast on such a grand stage, and what emotions were you experiencing as you ran in the final?

A: Competing in the 2024 Olympics was an unforgettable experience, both personally and professionally. From the moment I qualified in August 2023, I was thrilled but soon realized that qualification was only the beginning. The real challenge was ensuring I stayed in peak condition over the next year to perform at my best and leave no room for regrets.

However, as the competition approached, I faced a significant setback: a hamstring injury just days before the 200m preliminaries. For a brief moment, it felt like my Olympic dream was slipping away, and the prospect of not even stepping onto the track was devastating. I took some time to process my emotions and then shifted my focus to finding solutions. I was determined to compete, even if it meant running with an injury.

Making it to the finals, despite the injury, was one of the proudest moments of my athletic career. Competing on such a grand stage and representing the Ivory Coast was an incredible honor. Crossing the finish line in the final, knowing that I had pushed through adversity, was both exhilarating and emotional. It was a testament to my resilience and determination, and it felt like a true reflection of the fighting spirit I carry with me from Philadelphia.

Q: Advice for Current Central High Students: What advice would you give to current students at Central High who are aspiring to achieve greatness in their own fields? How can they use their current environment and resources to their advantage, just as you did?

A: To the current students at Central High who are aspiring to achieve greatness in their own fields, my advice is to fully embrace and make the most of the resources and environment around you, no matter how limited they may seem.

Firstly, cultivate a strong work ethic and resilience. The conditions may not always be perfect, but your ability to persevere and adapt will set you apart. Approach every challenge as an opportunity to grow and learn. Whether it’s academic rigor, extracurricular activities, or personal challenges, use these experiences to build your character and skills.

Secondly, seek out mentors and build a supportive network. Engage with teachers, coaches, and peers who can offer guidance and encouragement. Their insights and support can be invaluable in helping you navigate your path and reach your goals.

Finally, stay focused on your long-term vision while embracing the journey. Make use of the opportunities available to you at Central High, and don’t be afraid to create your own. Whether it’s starting a new club, taking on a leadership role, or pursuing an independent project, leverage every chance to develop your talents and interests.

Remember, greatness is often achieved by making the best of your circumstances and pushing beyond what you initially thought possible. Use your time at Central to build a foundation of hard work, adaptability, and ambition that will support you throughout your journey.

Q: Engaging with the Central High Community: In what ways do you think alumni like yourself can continue to support and inspire current students at Central High?

A: I hope to inspire current Central High students to dream big and realize that their potential extends far beyond their immediate surroundings. During my time at Central, our team’s main focus was winning the public league championship, which was an important goal for us. However, achieving that was just the start of my journey. I never imagined that my path would lead me to break school records, compete in state and national championships, or even reach the Olympics.

I want current students to understand that Central High is only the beginning of their journey. The achievements and opportunities that await them are boundless if they approach their goals with the same dedication and resilience. By sharing my own story, I hope to demonstrate that success often comes from embracing challenges, seizing opportunities, and continually striving for excellence. No matter where they start, students have the power to shape their futures and achieve greatness beyond their wildest dreams.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Jessika’s story of perseverance and triumph resonates far beyond the track. As a Central alumna, she has shown that with hard work, resilience, and seizing every opportunity, success is within reach despite the challenges. Her journey from the halls of Central High to competing in the 2024 Olympics is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset and determination, anything is possible, no matter the odds.

Her experience, however, also underscores the importance of providing better resources for current student-athletes. While Jessika made the most of the limited facilities available, there is a clear need to improve Central’s athletic programs. Alumni can play a vital role in supporting this effort by helping upgrade training facilities and offering mentorship. By investing in the next generation of athletes, Central’s alumni community can ensure that students have the resources and guidance they need to realize their full potential, just as Jessika did.