Gabby Douglas Announces Return to Gymnastics Ahead of ’24 Olympics
27-year-old Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas has resumed training, she announced on Instagram.
“For many years, I’ve had an ache in my heart,” the post began. “But I didn’t want to keep carrying anger, pain, sadness, or regret and through my tears and hurt, I’ve found peace. I wanted to find the joy again for the sport that I absolutely love doing. I know I have a huge task ahead of me and I am beyond grateful and excited to get back out on the floor.”
She ended the post with “#2024,” a potential signal that she aims to return for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The New York Times reports that U.S. Gymnastics has not been informed of her plans for the rest of the year.
Douglas, who became the first Black woman to win the Olympic all-around title in the 2012 London Games, could aim to make a formidable U.S. women’s team, alongside Simone Biles and rising star Suni Lee. Douglas was not a part of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, and has not competed since the Rio Olympics in 2016.