Gabby Douglas’ attempt to earn a spot on the U.S. women’s gymnastics team for the Paris Olympics has come to an end. The 2012 Olympic all-around champion withdrew from the USA Gymnastics Championships on Wednesday due to an ankle injury.
The 28-year-old Douglas, who was also part of the gold-winning U.S. team in the 2016 Olympics, was making a comeback after an eight-year break. She returned to competition at the American Classic last month and appeared at the U.S. Classic in Hartford, Connecticut, two weeks ago.
During the U.S. Classic, Douglas encountered challenges on the uneven bars, falling twice in her routine. While the audience chanted her name, she decided to withdraw from the rest of the meet without giving specific reasons.
Although Douglas qualified to compete in vault, uneven bars, and balance beam, she did not meet the minimum score required for the all-around competition, reducing her chances of securing a spot on the highly competitive five-woman U.S. team.
Sports
Gabby Douglas, 3-time gold medalist, hints at gymnastics comeback
12:37 PM, Jul 14, 2023
Douglas, the first Black woman to win an Olympic title, announced her return last summer, expressing her renewed love for the sport after watching the 2022 U.S. championships. She explained her desire to end her gymnastics career on a positive note and embrace love and joy rather than resentment.
Having trained in Texas with Valeri Liukin, father and coach of 2008 Olympic all-around champion Nastia Liukin, for the past two years, Douglas showed a mix of rustiness and glimpses of her previous prowess at the American Classic. Her accomplishments at the London Olympics and subsequent wins in world championships and Brazil highlighted her remarkable career.
Although Douglas did not officially retire, her unexpected return raised questions about her future in gymnastics. There remains uncertainty about whether she will continue to compete in the sport.
