CULVER CITY, CA - OCTOBER 29: Gabby Douglas at The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation's 28th annual 'A Time For Heroes' family festival at Smashbox Studios on October 29, 2017 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation )
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas has withdrawn from the U.S. gymnastics championship. Douglas will not compete in Fort Worth, Texas, this weekend, citing an ankle injury.
Douglas’ unfortunate injury ends her bid for the 2024 Paris Olympic team. Gabby returned to the competition this spring after almost an eight-year absence, hoping to make the U.S. team for this summer’s Paris Games.
Despite the circumstances, the gymnast told ESPN that she is proud of what she has accomplished over her 18-month comeback.
“I love this sport and I love pushing my limits, 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 told ESPN.
According to EPSN, Gabby is the first Black gymnast to win the Olympic all-around title at the 2012 London Games and helped the U.S. earn back-to-back team golds in London and Rio in 2016.
Gabby officially announced her comeback earlier this year in February. She later returned to competition in April at the American Classic in Katy, Texas, where she qualified for the U.S. championships.
Following the announcement of Gabby’s withdrawal, the Roomies showed love to the Olympic champion in The Shade Room comment section. Several social media users shared their disappointment about the news and sent her well wishes on a speedy recovery.
Instagram user @thislittleliteofmine wrote, “I don’t feel like she had enough support from the athletes/her peers. They all suck up to Simone and forget that Gabby walked so Simone could run.
Instagram user @vibe.lino wrote, “Does that mean no Olympics for her?”
While Instagram user @_diorsax_ wrote, “I pray she gets better.”
Then Instagram user @aprnbeauty wrote, “Awwww man Gabby I know she wanted this badly! I was rooting for her! She was the best during her time your legacy can’t be erased young lady !!! Get well soon.”
Instagram user @moneyluvsme____ wrote, “She has nothing to prove!”
Instagram user @loulouceesay wrote, “This is sad, was hoping to see. her come back. Maybe next year.”
Instagram user @_tysunraveling wrote, “Praying for her healing, peace, and success!!”
Finally Instagram user @congoqueen08 wrote, “We are forever cheering you on.”
The U.S. championships would have been Gabby’s final chance to receive an invitation to the Olympic trials in Minneapolis in June. However, she plans to continue training in preparation for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. She will also reunite with her longtime representative, Lowell Taub of Range Sports.
“I proved to myself and to the sport that my skills remain at an elite level. My plan is to continue to train for the L.A. 2028 Olympics. It would be such an honor to represent the U.S. at a home Olympics,” Gabby said in a statement.
