Fans are heartbroken after gymnast Gabby Douglass pulled out of the U.S. championships due to an ankle injury, ending her bid for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
But don't count her out for 2028.
The 28-year-old Olympic gold medalist withdrew from the U.S. gymnastics championships this weekend in Fort Worth, Texas, after she suffered an ankle injury during training.
Douglas, who took an eight-year hiatus from the sport, announced her comeback in February . She had been training for the past 18 months with her sights set on Paris.
Douglas qualified for the championships on both the vault and beam last month at the American Classic. The U.S. championships would have been her final chance to earn an invitation to the U.S. Olympic Trials next month in Minneapolis.
But she's not letting this setback get her down, telling ESPN:
"I love this sport and I love pushing my limits."
She continued:
"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."
At 28 years old, the three-time Olympic gold medalist would have been the oldest American woman to compete in gymnastics at the Olympics since 1952.
Douglas also became the first Black gymnast to win the Olympic all-around title when she took home the gold at the 2012 London Games. In both 2012 and 2016 (Rio), Douglas helped the U.S. earn back-to-back Olympic team titles.
Douglas will be 32 years old when the Olympic games open in Los Angeles in 2028, but that's not a concern for her.
"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."
Fans on social media were devastated by the news.
But they celebrated Douglas' accomplishments thus far.
Many wished her a speedy recovery and said they look forward to following her journey to the '28 games.
Douglas' road to the U.S. championships hasn't been an easy one.
Just a couple of weeks ago, she withdrew from the 2024 Core Hydration Gymnastics Classic after two falls from the uneven bars.
And although her performance last month at the American Classic qualified her for the championships, Douglas wasn't too happy with her "showing."
She wrote on Instagram:
"8 years later…."
"well guys… it wasn’t my best showing this weekend but was so happy and grateful to be back out there on the floor doing what i love again."
"with anything there are always kinks to work out, get better and improve. i’ve never been more excited to get back into the gym and work even harder."
"forever grateful for all of your love and support. it means the world. i love you guys and i’ll see you in hartford 🖤"
"hard days are the best because that’s when champions are made"
We're wishing her a speedy recovery and the best of luck on her continued journey.
