In an exciting announcement, three-time Olympic medalist Gabby Douglas expressed her desire to return to international competition, eight years after her incredible achievements at the 2012 London Olympics. The 28-year-old gymnast, known for her grace and skill, has her sights set on the upcoming Paris Olympics and hopes to be a strong contender for the medals.
Douglas revealed her decision during an interview on Hallie Jackson NOW. She shared that watching the 2022 championships reignited her passion for competing and motivated her to explore the possibility of returning to the sport. With her competitive spirit still burning bright, Douglas made the decision to return to training, realizing she still had more to accomplish in gymnastics.
Her comeback journey will kick off at the Winter Cup in Louisville, Kentucky, on Feb. 24. Douglas will be the oldest gymnast participating in the meet, demonstrating her dedication to her sport and her willingness to push herself to new heights. As the first Black gymnast to win the all-around gold medal, she has already left an indelible mark in Olympic history.
Douglas was a vital part of the iconic 'Final Five' team, which claimed the team gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics alongside gymnastics superstar Simone Biles. Her return to the international stage will undoubtedly bring excitement and anticipation for fans worldwide.
Now training with Valeri Liukin, father of five-time Olympic medalist Nastia Liukin, at WOGA Gymnastics in North Texas, Douglas continues to fine-tune her skills. Her specialty event, the uneven bars, could provide a significant advantage for Team USA, as it has been historically considered their weakest apparatus.
Expressing her gratitude for her body's resilience and her commitment to recovery, Douglas acknowledges the challenges of her sport. She pushes herself to the limit and finds fulfillment in dedicating herself to her craft.
Douglas eagerly awaits the chance to represent the USA once again and experience the camaraderie of being part of a team. The opportunity to don the red, white, and blue on the international stage holds immense honor and significance for her.
While Douglas acknowledges that her return signifies a 'comeback,' she notably mentions never officially retiring from the sport. Instead, she took a step back after the 2016 Olympics to focus on her personal growth and mental well-being. Her love for gymnastics remained unwavering, and she wanted to end her career on a positive note.
Leading up to the Olympic trials in June, Douglas plans to participate in several competitions, showcasing her skills and determination. Her goal is to give her all and leave a lasting impact on the sport she holds dear.
Should Douglas make the team for the Paris Olympics, she will become the oldest American woman to compete in gymnastics since the 1950s, according to NBC News. This milestone further exemplifies her resilience, perseverance, and unwavering passion for gymnastics.
We eagerly await Gabby Douglas' exciting journey towards the Paris Olympics, where she hopes to add to her already illustrious Olympic legacy. Her return to the international stage will undoubtedly inspire young athletes and leave an indelible mark on the sport of gymnastics.
