Gabby Douglas Withdraws from 2024 Summer Games Bid Due to Injury

Gabby Douglas, a three-time Olympic champion, has decided not to compete for Team USA in Paris this summer. She had to withdraw from the Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships in Texas this week due to an ankle injury she sustained during training. ESPN reported the news on Wednesday, and a representative for Douglas confirmed it.

Douglas expressed in an interview with ESPN that even though she faced a setback, she had no intentions of giving up on her goal of competing in future Summer Games. She stated, "I have shown myself and the sport that my abilities are still top-notch," as reported by ESPN.

“My plan is to continue to train for the LA 2028 Olympics. It would be such an honor to represent the US at a home Olympics,” she added.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 09: Gabrielle Douglas of the United States poses for photographs with her gold medal after the medal ceremony for the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team on Day 4 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Rio Olympic Arena on August 9, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Gabrielle Douglas of the United States proudly shows off her gold medal in the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The medal ceremony took place on Day 4 at the Rio Olympic Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on August 9, 2016. Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images captured this memorable moment.

Related article

Gabby Douglas, three-time Olympic gold medalist, announces 2024 comeback to competitive gymnastics

After a nearly eight-year hiatus from competition, Douglas returned to the sport last month at the American Classic event in Katy, Texas.

Before that, she had last competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

After the Games in Rio, Douglas decided to take a break from social media to focus on some self-reflection, as previously reported by CNN.

She made history in 2012 by becoming the first Black woman to win the Olympic all-around title.

Douglas won two golds during her Olympic debut in 2012, including in the all-around event, and added a team gold at the Rio Games in 2016.

Editor's P/S:

Gabby Douglas's decision to withdraw from the US Gymnastics Championships due to an ankle injury and her subsequent announcement that she will not compete for Team USA in Paris this summer is bittersweet. It marks the end of a remarkable era for the three-time Olympic champion, who made history in 2012 as the first Black woman to win the Olympic all-around title. However, Douglas has expressed her determination to continue training for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, which would be a fitting stage for her to conclude her illustrious career.

Douglas's resilience and dedication are inspiring, and her commitment to pursuing her goals despite setbacks is a testament to her character. Her decision to focus on her physical and mental well-being is also commendable, and it serves as a reminder that even the most elite athletes need time to rest and recover. As a role model for young gymnasts and aspiring athletes everywhere, Douglas continues to demonstrate the importance of perseverance, hard work, and never giving up on your dreams.