Gabby Douglas, the Olympic gold medalist, faced a setback in her journey towards the 2024 Paris Olympics due to an ankle injury.
She had to withdraw from the upcoming U.S. championships in Fort Worth, Texas, following the injury sustained during a recent training session.
The 28-year-old gymnast, aiming for a comeback after an eight-year hiatus from the sport, expressed her disappointment but remained optimistic.
“I love this sport, and I love pushing my limits,” Douglas stated. “I hope I can inspire both my peers and the next generation of gymnasts that age is just a number, and you can accomplish anything you work hard for.”
Douglas, who secured back-to-back team golds in London in 2012 and Rio in 2016, clarified that she never officially retired but took a break to focus on herself and her mental well-being.
Despite encountering challenges during the U.S. Classic earlier this month, she remained determined to compete.
The U.S. championships would have been Douglas’ final opportunity to secure a spot at the Olympic trials in Minneapolis, scheduled for June. However, her focus now shifts to recovering from the injury and preparing for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
As she looks ahead to the 2028 Olympics at the age of 32, Douglas plans to continue her elite-level training, supported by her longtime representative, Lowell Taub of Range Sports.
