Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas Halts Long-Awaited Return to Gymnastics

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas was expected to make her professional gymnastics return this Saturday at the Winter Cup, but she had to withdraw from the competition after testing positive for COVID-19.

Her next competition is slated for May 17 and 18 at the Core Hydration Classic. She is trying to earn a spot on Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics after she missed the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“I’m so sad to say that I won’t be competing this weekend,” Douglas wrote 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 for all of your support and positive energy—it really does mean the world to me. I’m crushed but I’ll see you guys soon!”

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At 28 years old, Douglas would have been the oldest gymnast to compete at the Winter Games.

Douglas won the all-around gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, along with earning the team gold in 2012 and 2016.

She plans to compete in the U.S. Championships and the Olympic Trials in the summer in order to earn her spot on her third Olympics team. This plan has been public since last July when Douglas posted about her return to professional gymnastics. 

Simone Biles is also attempting to make her third Olympics team. Biles and Douglas were teammates at the 2016 Rio Olympics.