April 29th 2024.
After eight years away from the sport, Olympic champion Gabby Douglas has made her triumphant return to competition. It seems this could be a stepping stone towards her qualifying for the highly anticipated Paris Olympics.
According to The Associated Press, Douglas, who became the first Black woman to win the Olympic all-around title in 2012, graced the American Classic on April 27 with her presence. This marked her first official competition since her last appearance in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Her all-around score of 50.65 was enough to secure her a spot in multiple events at the upcoming U.S. Championships in Fort Worth, Texas next month. She's also set to compete at the U.S. Classic in Hartford, Connecticut on May 18.
Her last Olympic appearance was a memorable one, as she played a crucial role in securing a second consecutive gold medal for Team USA in the team competition. After taking a break from the sport, Douglas announced in February that she had returned to training two years ago with the goal of making this year's Olympic team.
"I never officially retired," Douglas revealed. "I didn't want to exit the sport the way I did in 2016. Instead, I took a step back to focus on my personal well-being and mental health."
Just days before her highly anticipated comeback, Douglas revealed on her Instagram account that she had tested positive for COVID-19, which unfortunately delayed her return. She wrote, "I'm heartbroken to say that I won't be competing this weekend. I was beyond excited to get back out on the competition floor, but unfortunately, I recently tested positive for COVID."
However, this setback hasn't dampened Douglas's spirits. The 28-year-old is determined to make her mark in the upcoming competitions, including the U.S. Classic in three weeks, the U.S. Championships in five weeks, and the Olympic Trials in Minneapolis at the end of June.
In light of tennis player Naomi Osaka's decision to take a break for her mental health, Douglas showed her support for her fellow athlete. Having gone through a similar experience in the past, she understands the importance of prioritizing one's mental health. And now, it seems that her break has rejuvenated her and prepared her for the challenge of returning in time for the Paris Olympics this summer.
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