Gabby Douglas plans competitive gymnastics return for late April at American Classic 2024
Three-time Olympic champion Gabby Douglas says she will make her competitive gymnastics return at the upcoming American Classic 2024, according to NBC Olympics. The competition is set for 28 April at Stars Gymnastics in Katy, Texas, and is the first of two final qualifying events for May's U.S. championships (30 May-2 June, Fort Worth, Texas).
The American Classic would be Douglas' first competition in nearly eight years. She last competed at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio where she became the first reigning Olympic all-around champion to return to the Games since Nadia Comaneci in 1980. At those Rio 2016 Games, Douglas helped her U.S. squad win team gold, her third Olympic championship.
The London 2012 team and all-around winner's renewed Olympic dreams were first confirmed by coach Valeri Liukin in late February last year, then by Douglas herself on her Instagram in July.
"As you all know, I stepped back from the socials, and in that time, I did a lot of journaling, reflecting, soul searching and found myself back where it all began," Douglas wrote on Instagram. "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.
"There’s so much to be said but for now….💪 😎 Let’s do this #2024," she concluded.
Douglas had planned to compete for the first time at February's Winter Cup in Louisville, Kentucky, but withdrew from the event two days prior, citing COVID-19.
"I'm so sad to say that I won't be competing this weekend," Douglas wrote in a post on Instagram. "I was so excited to get back out on the competition floor, but unfortunately, I just tested positive for COVID.
"Thank you so much of all your support and positive energy - it really does mean the world to me," she continued. "I'm crushed, but I'll see you guys soon!"
Coach Anna Liukin, then, told Olympics.com that the 2015 World all-around runner-up was hoping for an invite to the April U.S. national team camp that would determine teams for two April international assignments. Douglas did not receive an invite, with USA Gymnastics saying she didn't meet any of the four criteria to attend.
With just 99 days until the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Douglas has hit crunch time. Beyond needing to earn qualification to the U.S. nationals, the 28-year-old will need to be near perfect to show the U.S. selection committee that she's ready for a third Olympic appearance.
Douglas will have a second chance to qualify to the nationals in May at the U.S. Classic (17-18 in Hartford, Connecticut). The U.S. women's Olympic gymnastics team is set to be announced on 30 June in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
