How an Injury Changed the Course of Gabby Douglas’ Return to Gymnastics
May 17, 2024: Gymnast GABBY DOUGLAS during podium training for the 2024 Core Hydration Classic. The event is being held at the XL Center in Hartford, CT. /CSM Hartford Connecticut - ZUMAc04_ 20240517_zma_c04_012 Copyright: xMelissaxJ.xPerensonx
May 17, 2024: Gymnast GABBY DOUGLAS during podium training for the 2024 Core Hydration Classic. The event is being held at the XL Center in Hartford, CT. /CSM Hartford Connecticut - ZUMAc04_ 20240517_zma_c04_012 Copyright: xMelissaxJ.xPerensonx
Two-time Olympic medalist Gabby Douglas could've returned to the sport and finished on a better note. But that was until an injury marred her return to the 2024 Paris Games.
Having been away from the mats at the 2020 Tokyo Games, a 28-year-old Douglas decided to make Paris her destination in 2024. But after hurting her ankle during a training session, she revealed how hard that moment has been.
"You want to keep pushing through… It was kind of that, 'Oh, should we push it? … Push it to the brink and make it a little worse?” She told US Weekly in 2024. “Or do I take a break and rest and then kind of move on from that?' It was a very hard decision."
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 9, 2016: Olympic champion Gabby Douglas of United States competing at team women's all-around gymnastics at Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Rio Olympic Arena
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 9, 2016: Olympic champion Gabby Douglas of United States competing at team women's all-around gymnastics at Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Rio Olympic Arena
It was especially bittersweet as the Paris Games were a chance for Douglas to extend her medal count from the 2 gold she won at the 2012 London Games and one gold at the 2016 Rio Games. However, she knew the importance of giving the body a break.
“Obviously, it was very bittersweet,” Douglas added. “If your body needs rest, that's perfectly OK. Take that rest, and come back even stronger and better. Life throws you a lot of different challenges and curve balls, but don't be discouraged. Just find a different route."
And Douglas is putting that advice into action, eyeing the 2028 LA Olympics as her comeback stage.
How Gabby Douglas Is Eyeing a Comeback After Setbacks
The 2x Olympian isn’t new to the physical pressure and mental hurdles that come in gymnastics. Not being able to partake in the Paris Games was heartbreaking. But Douglas is ready to put that in past and see what’s next.
"I do have (the Summer 2028 Olympics) in the back of my mind,” she said at the same US Weekly interview in 2024. “And even before that, there are a lot of world championships that I want to go to (and) more competitions internationally."
Resting now positions her for a stronger 2028 run. And if anything, Gabby Douglas is more than excited to see what the future holds for her.
Do you think she’ll make her comeback at the LA28? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy