Three-time Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas, who took an eight-year break from competitive gymnastics, has made an incredible comeback. At the American Classic in Katy, Texas, she ensured her place at the U.S. Championships, a major step toward her goal of competing at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. She will be the oldest American woman to compete in the gymnastics category since the 1950s if she makes the cut.
Douglas’s previous meet was the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where she won team gold. Her return to the sport has been highly anticipated and generated much buzz after she posted videos of her training in April and May.
Although finishing 10th at the American Classic on Saturday night with a score of 54.350 points, Douglas shone on vault and balance beam. She earned the spots to compete in those two events at nationals.
National championships competition rosters are based on a points system over four meets from November through July.
For Douglas to be eligible for all four events at nationals, which is her goal, she must submit a petition along with higher scores from other elite meets this spring or summer because she does not have those required four-meet results. “I don’t usually watch the Olympics, but I might try this time. Gabby Douglas seems to be a very good gymnast who shows incredible talent. Her coming back could bring more people to watch this amazing event.” Manor Pniel a junior said.
By returning to the game, Douglas shows her resolve and motivates future gymnasts worldwide. As the first black gymnast to win the Olympic all-around gold medal, her record-breaking achievements have forever changed this sport. Elijah Campbell-Finch, a senior says “ I thought she was retired but I think it is good that she is making a comeback for the sport she loves and is very good at”
The countdown to Paris 2024 intensifies during the U.S. Championships and following Olympic trials for Douglas and other gymnasts. Being named on America’s Olympic team would secure her status as one of gymnastics’ most legendary figures and engrave another line into Olympic lore books.