Gymnast Gabby Douglas Makes Huge Announcement After Missing 2024 Paris Olympics

Gymnast Gabby Douglas won the individual all-around gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, making history as the first Black woman to accomplish that incredible feat. She retuned to compete alongside Simone Biles at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she earned her second consecutive team gold medal.

Douglas, who took six years off from the sport, was looking to make a major comeback for the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, she suffered a foot injury that forced her to withdraw from competing in the U.S. Gymnastic Trials, a prerequisite to making the Olympic team.

The 28-year-old, however, is not ready to hang up her leotard just yet.  Douglas announced she'll be making a run for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

"I know it's four years away, but I'm looking forward to it,” Douglas told People . “Still representing the USA, still continuing to do gymnastics, so I'm excited.”

While Douglas will be 32 years old when the next Olympics rolls around, she remains unfazed. “I feel like at this point, age is really just a number because my body can still do amazing things even at 28,” Douglas said. “And I just think that when you have the proper diet, structure, schedule, and everything that aligns, then you can do anything that you put your mind to.”

As for what's fueling her decision, "My favorite part is the competition," she noted. "I love getting in the gym, challenging myself, and I have had a ball playing around with different skills."

Douglas hinted at a return after she was forced out from competing toward what would've been her third Olympics. She wrote on Instagram, "i’m sad to say that due to a foot injury during practice i will not be able to continue my 2024 journey. this may be the end of this chapter but not the end of my gymnastics story.

"thank you all for being with me on this journey and lifting me up on my lowest days i love you all so much!"

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