Gabby Douglas’ return to gymnastics has been delayed after testing positive for COVID.
The three-time Olympic medalist made the news a day before the 2024 Winter Cup in Louisville, Kentucky, where she was scheduled to compete on beam, floor and vault.
“Hey guys. I’m so sad to say I won’t be competing this weekend. I was so excited to get back on the podium, but unfortunately, I just tested positive for COVID,” Douglas, 28, said in a statement on Instagram.
Gabby Douglas announces return to gymnastics with sights on Olympics: ‘Still a competitor at heart’
Statement by Gabby Douglas.
Gabby Douglas/ Instagram
“Thank you so much for your support and positive energy – it really means a lot to me. I’m devastated, but I’ll see you soon! I send my best wishes to every competition,” her statement continued.
USA Gymnastics’ official social media account shared the statement on their Instagram Story and commented on her post, “🖤🖤🖤 see you again soon!”
The news comes just weeks after Douglas announced her official return to the sport during an appearance on Hallie Jackson NOW.
Her return was to be her first competition since the 2016 Summer Olympics.
“I didn’t want to end the sport like I did in 2016. I wanted to take a step back and work on my mental state. I love gymnastics and I love pushing myself,” she told Jackson. “I never wanted to go on a bad day.”
6 American gymnasts who won Olympic gold in the all-around final
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Gabby Douglas poses on the podium during the 2012 London Olympics.
EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty
The athlete said she was always a “competitor at heart” and missed participating in sports.
“After watching the 2022 championship, I felt like I was missing the competition,” Douglas said. “I found myself in the gym and I was like, okay, maybe I can do this again.”
Douglas previously shared a video of herself training on Instagram and said she was “determined to make every moment count” with her return to the sport.
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Gabby Douglass at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Al Tielemans /Sports Illustrated via Getty
“Wow guys, what a journey so far. There have been ups and downs, but I’m not done pushing the limits. I’m determined to make every moment count! I’m SO happy to be back on the competition floor enjoying this sport I fell in love with like a little girl. here’s to never giving up on our dreams. let’s do this✨,” her caption read.
The gymnast first hinted at her return to the sport in July 2023 after a break from social media.
She shared black-and-white photos of herself on Instagram on the beam and explained that she “took a lot of notes, thought, soul-searched and found myself back where it all started.”
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“I wanted to find joy again for the sport I absolutely love to play. I know I have a huge task ahead of me and I am beyond grateful and excited to be back on the floor,” she added in her caption, including the hashtag “2024.”
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Source: HIS Education