2024 Paris Olympics: Gymnastics Star Gabby Douglas Returns
Gabby Douglas hinted at her return to training and expressed her goal to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics in a recent Instagram post, according to PEOPLE.
She shared a photo of herself practicing her form on the balance beam and reflected on her journey.
Douglas mentioned taking a step back from social media and using that time for self-reflection, journaling, and soul searching.
She acknowledged the importance of confronting darkness and fears instead of suppressing them.
She also shared that she had carried an ache in her heart for many years but expressed her desire to let go of anger, pain, sadness, and regret. Through her tears and hurt, she found peace.
In her Instagram post, Gabby Douglas expressed her desire to find joy again in gymnastics and acknowledged the significant task ahead of her.
She thanked her supporters for their love and encouragement, expressing her gratitude.
Douglas, now 27 years old, took a break from social media to prioritize her mental health and work on herself.
She reflected on the challenges she has faced, noting the heavy weight she has carried physically and emotionally. Despite the obstacles, she remains determined and resilient.
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Gabby Douglas
Gabby Douglas has an impressive Olympic record, winning three gold medals and becoming the first Black woman to win the individual all-around at the 2012 London Games, per NY Post.
She competed for USA Gymnastics in London and Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Still, she did not participate in the 2021 Tokyo Games.
After taking a social media and sports hiatus, Douglas engaged in introspection and self-discovery.
Douglas faced challenges during the Larry Nassar sexual assault scandal in 2016 when she was one of the prominent members of USA Gymnastics to come forward with allegations against the team doctor.
Nassar was accused by over 160 women and later sentenced to prison.
In her recent social media post, Douglas mentioned her reflection and soul searching journey.
While she did not officially confirm her intention to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, she included the hashtag "#2024" in her message.
Gabby Douglas Come Back Rumors Began in Late 2022
The rumors of Gabby Douglas's comeback began circulating in late 2022, and in February, a coach at the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy confirmed that she was training at the gym, Pop Sugar reports.
Douglas is now the third Olympic champion to express her goal of competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Simone Biles, a seven-time Olympic gold medalist, recently announced her return to competition at the 2023 US Classic in August after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Additionally, Suni Lee, the 2020 Olympic all-around champion, confirmed in April that she would continue pursuing her dreams of participating in the Paris Olympics despite ending her college gymnastics career early.
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Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: Olympic Champion Gabby Douglas Announces Return to Gymnastics - From E! News