Olympic Gymnast Gabby Douglas Set for Comeback at Elite Event

Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas is making her comeback to elite gymnastics as she prepares to compete at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships qualifier in Louisville, Kentucky. The event serves as a stepping stone towards the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

In 2012, Douglas made history as the first African American gymnast to win Olympic gold in the individual all-around event at the London Games. Since then, she had taken a break from the sport but announced her intentions to compete once more last summer.

Douglas, now 28, posted a video of her recent workouts showcasing her strength and skill, alongside the message expressing her excitement to return to the competition floor. Many of her former teammates, including McKayla Maroney, have shown their support for her comeback.

The gymnastics community was rocked by the sexual abuse scandal involving former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, and both Douglas and fellow gymnast Simone Biles, who also aims to compete in Paris, have been vocal about their mental health struggles.

Valorie Kondos Field, the renowned former UCLA gymnastics coach, lauded Douglas’ decision to return. She emphasized the importance of athletes taking time away from the sport to heal and expressed her excitement at seeing Douglas’ enthusiasm for gymnastics once again.

With fierce competition in the field, Douglas and Biles will face challenges from reigning Olympic all-around champion Sunisa Lee, as well as medalists Jordan Chiles and Jade Carey for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. However, Kondos Field advises Douglas to go all-in and compete in all events, encouraging her to give her best at these championships.