FORT WORTH, Texas — FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Gabby Douglas’ long shot bid to make the U.S. women’s gymnastics team for the Paris Olympics is over.
The 2012 Olympic all-around champion withdrew from the USA Gymnastics Championships on Wednesday, citing an ankle injury.
The 28-year-old Douglas, who also helped the U.S. win gold in the team competition at the 2016 Olympics, had been attempting a comeback after an eight-year layoff.
She returned to competition at the American Classic last month and made her first appearance at a major U.S. meet at the U.S. Classic in Hartford, Connecticut, two weeks ago.
Douglas fell twice on the uneven bars in her first rotation, finishing her routine while the crowd chanted her name. She withdrew from the remainder of the meet but did not offer specifics.
Douglas qualified to compete in three events — vault, uneven bars and balance beam — but did not meet the minimum score standard to compete in the all-around, limiting her chances of making what will be a highly competitive five-woman U.S. team.
Douglas, the first Black woman to win the Olympic title, announced her return last summer, saying her love for the sport had returned while watching the 2022 U.S. championships.
“It ended rough for me in 2016, so I didn’t want to end on that note,” Douglas said before the U.S. Classic. “Regardless of the outcome, I wanted to make sure I end on love and joy instead of hating something that I loved.”
She has spent most of the last two years training in Texas under Valeri Liukin, the father and coach of 2008 Olympic all-around champion Nastia Liukin.
Douglas competed in all four events at the American Classic, showing signs of rust but also glimpses of the powerhouse she was when she burst onto the scene in the run-up to the London Olympics.
She left England as a champion and a star before taking a brief break. She returned to training in 2014 and helped the American women continue their long run atop the sport by winning gold at the 2015 world championships and then again in Brazil the following summer.
Douglas never formally announced her retirement, though her return came as a bit of a surprise. Her future as a gymnast is uncertain, though there may be opportunities to compete again if she chooses.
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AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games
Gabby Douglas, the Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming US Championships, effectively ending her bid for a spot on the US Olympic team. The decision comes as a surprise to many fans and followers of the sport, as Douglas has been a dominant force in gymnastics for years.
The 25-year-old gymnast cited mental health concerns and the toll that training and competing have taken on her well-being as the primary reasons for her withdrawal. In a statement released on social media, Douglas expressed her gratitude for the support she has received throughout her career and emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health.
Douglas’ decision to step away from competition highlights the growing awareness of the mental health challenges faced by athletes at the highest levels of sport. In recent years, several high-profile athletes, including Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka, have spoken out about their struggles with mental health and the pressure to perform.
The news of Douglas’ withdrawal is a disappointment for fans who were hoping to see her compete in the upcoming US Championships and potentially qualify for the US Olympic team. Douglas has had a storied career in gymnastics, winning multiple Olympic medals and becoming a role model for young athletes around the world.
Despite her decision to withdraw from competition, Douglas remains a respected figure in the gymnastics community and beyond. Her courage in speaking out about her mental health struggles serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished athletes can face challenges that require them to prioritize their well-being.
As Douglas takes time to focus on her mental health and recovery, fans and supporters are sending messages of love and encouragement to the gymnast. While her Olympic bid may have come to an end, Douglas’ legacy in gymnastics will continue to inspire future generations of athletes to prioritize their mental health and well-being above all else.
