Three-time Olympic champion Gabby Douglas has withdrawn from the U.S. Gymnastics Championships. Douglas will not compete in Fort Worth, Texas, this weekend due to an ankle injury.
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Gabby Douglas withdraws from US Championships
Douglas' unfortunate injury ends her bid for the 2024 Paris Olympic team. Gabby returned to competition this spring after a nearly eight-year absence and hopes to make the U.S. team for the Paris Games this summer.
Despite the circumstances, the gymnast told ESPN that she was proud of what she had accomplished during her 18-month comeback.
“I love this sport and love pushing my limits. I hope to show both my colleagues and the next generation of gymnasts that age is just a number and that you can achieve anything if you work hard for it,” 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. win back-to-back team gold medals in London and Rio in 2016.
Gabby officially announced her comeback in early February of this year. She later returned to competition in April at the American Classic in Katy, Texas, where she qualified for the U.S. Championships.
Social media reactions to Gabby’s injury
Following the announcement of Gabby's retirement, the Olympic gold medalist's roomies showed their affection in the comments section of The Shade Room. Several social media users shared their disappointment at the news and sent her well wishes for 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 ran so Simone could run.
Instagram user @vibe.lino wrote: “Does that mean she’s not competing in the Olympics?”
While Instagram user @_diorsax_ wrote, “I pray she gets better.”
Then Instagram user @aprnbeauty wrote: “Oh man Gabby, I know she wanted this so badly! I was rooting for her! She was the best in her time, your legacy can never be erased young lady!!! Get well soon.”
Instagram user @moneyluvsme____ wrote: “She has nothing to prove!”
Instagram user @loulouceesay wrote: “That's sad. I was hoping to see her again. Maybe next year.”
Instagram user @_tysunraveling wrote: “I pray for her healing, peace and success!!”
Finally, Instagram user @congoqueen08 wrote: “We keep cheering you on.”
Gabby looks to the future
The U.S. Championships would have been Gabby's last chance to earn an invitation to the Olympic Trials in Minneapolis in June, but she plans to continue training for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. She will also reunite with her longtime representative, Lowell Taub of Range Sports.
“I have proven to myself and the sport that my skills remain at an elite level. My plan is to continue training for the 2028 Olympic Games in LA. It would be a great honor to represent the USA at the Olympic Games in their own country,” Gabby said in a statement.
