Gabby Douglas Returning to the Olympics
By Ariyana Griffin
LOS ANGELES, CA – Gabby Douglas stole our hearts when she came on the scene and dominated gymnastics.
Her career has been nothing short of historic and inspirational, she was just 16 years old when she made history “in London as the first African American gymnast to win Olympic gold in the individual all-around.”
The three-time Olympic Gold medalist competed in Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Competition, where she helped to bring home two gold metals for the U.S. Team. However, you may have noticed she has not been in the public eye much after that. In 2017 she publicly shared that she was one gymnasts who had been sexually abused by Larry Nassar, United States women’s national gymnastics team’s doctor, and understandably took away from competing and the sport.
She was not the only one on her team to endure abuse due to the doctor, however her response to her teammate lead to some backlash. Douglas shared her apology on Instagram, which her ending it with “I am determined to be even better.”
Douglas announced on Instagram that after taking some time off to reflect she is back and ready to compete in the 2024 Olympics which is being held in Paris. She skipped the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, this will be her first time back since 2016.
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“i know i have a huge task ahead of me and i am beyond grateful and excited to get back out on the floor, and even more grateful for all of your support and love. it truly means so much, there’s so much to be said but for now…. let’s do this #2024,” she said.
WME Sports announced that they have signed Douglas, “In 2012, Gabby was part of the “Fierce Five” USA gymnastics team and became the first woman of color to win the Olympic All-Around Gold Medal and an Individual All-around Gold Medal.” said the post.
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“Four years later, in 2016, Gabby returned to the Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro, where she helped the United States win a consecutive gold medal – her third – as a member of the “Final Five. After taking a hiatus from gymnastics, Gabby recently announced her comeback to gymnastics and is training hard with her eyes on the 2024 Olympics in Paris.”
Follow Douglas’ journey to the olympics by following her on Instagram @gabbycvdouglas.
Photo credit: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
