Champion gymnast, Gabby Douglas, is making her comeback! The two-time Olympian took to her Instagram account today to announce the news. She is returning to competitive gymnastics, with the goal of competing in the 2024 Olympic games, being held in Paris, France.
After a nearly year-long hiatus from social media to focus on her mental and emotional well-being, Gabby, 27, shared images from her training. She wrote, “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.” Prior to her announcement, it had been reported that Gabby was training at the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy (WOGA), alongside other athletes. This was later confirmed by WOGA coach, Valeri Liukin.
During the 2012 Summer Olympics, Gabby Douglas became the first African American to take home Olympic gymnastics gold in the individual all-around. Additionally, that year, she set the record as the first American to take both the individual all-around and team gold during the same Olympic games. Gabby went on to make the team and compete in to 2016 Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro with Simone Biles, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian, and Aly Raisman. The US team went on to win their second consecutive gold in the team event, and Gabby walked away with her third Olympic gold medal.
As more information is released regarding the USA Gymnastics 2024 schedule, we’ll be keeping our eyes and ears open. We’re excited to witness the return of Gabby Douglas.
Rashida A. Marshall is the creator of AFIYA Magazine, a digital health and lifestyle publication for Black women. This creative venture grew out of her love for learning, teaching, and sharing valuable wellness information to help improve the quality of life. Rashida is also a Pilates and dance instructor specializing in women’s health.