An ankle damage has halted Gabby Douglas‘ 18-month-long quest to return to the Olympics, however the gymnast will not be ruling out competing within the 2028 Video games.
The three-time Olympic gold medalist introduced on Wednesday, Could 29, that she has withdrawn from the U.S. Gymnastics Championships as a result of damage, which she sustained throughout coaching earlier within the week.
“I really like this sport and I really like pushing my limits,” Douglas, 28, advised ESPN. “I hope I can encourage each my friends and the subsequent era of gymnasts that age is only a quantity, and you’ll accomplish something you’re employed exhausting for.”
This occasion was Douglas’ final likelihood to earn an invite to the U.S. Olympic Trials subsequent month in Minneapolis, following her eight-year hiatus from competitors because the 2016 Olympic Video games in Rio de Janeiro.
“I proved to myself and to the game that my expertise stay at an elite degree,” Douglas mentioned. “My plan is to proceed to coach for the L.A. 2028 Olympics. It could be such an honor to signify the U.S. at a house Olympics.”
Douglas was set to be the oldest feminine athlete within the area in Fort Price this weekend, the place her look with Simone Biles and Suni Lee would have marked solely the second time that three Olympic all-around gold medalists competed on the similar meet.
Her return has not been with out challenges. Earlier this month, she withdrew from the 2024 Core Hydration Gymnastics Traditional after competing in just one occasion — the uneven bars — following two falls from the equipment.
Douglas’ efficiency on the American Traditional final month, the place she earned excessive marks on the vault and stability beam, had certified her to compete within the championships. Nevertheless, even then, she shared on Instagram that it “wasn’t my greatest exhibiting.”
“Effectively guys… it wasn’t my greatest exhibiting this weekend however was so joyful and grateful to be again on the market on the ground doing what I really like once more,” she wrote. “With something, there are at all times kinks to work out, get higher, and enhance. I’ve by no means been extra excited to get again into the health club and work even more durable.”
She added, “Laborious days are the very best as a result of that’s when champions are made.”
Regardless of the setback, Douglas stays centered on her future and the potential for competing within the 2028 Olympics.
