Aiexpress – Gabby Douglas will need more time before she can make her return to the competition mat.
The three-time Olympic gold medalist and gymnastics superstar was scheduled to perform the second act of her career in Louisville on Saturday during the 2024 Winter Cup. However, on Thursday, the 28-year-old, who hasn’t participated since the 2016 Rio Olympics, revealed that she was withdrawing from this weekend’s events due to sickness.
After Douglas’ latest comeback attempt was derailed due to circumstances beyond her control, here’s what you need to know.
Gabby Douglas health update
Douglas confirmed that she had tested positive for COVID-19 on social media Thursday afternoon. She shared the news with her large Instagram following.
Douglas was attempting an unusual return to competition after an eight-year absence. At 28, she was one of, if not the oldest, gymnasts competing at the Winter Cup.
Gabby Douglas did not have any plans to make a full comeback in her gymnastics career. She had only intended to participate in the floor competition on Saturday. However, there were speculations that a remarkable performance in Louisville could potentially pave the way for her to try and secure a spot on the Olympic team for the upcoming summer games. With her absence in Saturday’s competition, it remains uncertain whether she is still pursuing those plans.
Gymnastics has always been dominated by young athletes, who have to endure physically demanding routines that require incredible flexibility and precision. However, there have been instances of older gymnasts achieving remarkable success at the highest level of the sport. One such example is Vanessa Ferrari from Italy, who at the age of 30, won the silver medal on the floor at the Tokyo Games. She shared the podium with Jade Carey, who won the gold at the age of 21, and Mai Murakawi and Angelina Melnikova, who won bronze at the ages of 24 and 21, respectively.
Douglas still has the opportunity to make a comeback. She will have a few more chances to compete under the spotlight, if she chooses to do so.
When could Gabby Douglas next compete?
Douglas’ absence from the Winter Cup due to her health concerns has redirected her focus towards the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Hartford, Conn. on May 17-18. It is highly anticipated that Douglas, alongside Simone Biles and Suni Lee, will make their next appearance in the star-spangled leotard, captivating fans on one of the most prestigious platforms in the world of gymnastics.
