“It ended rough for me in 2016, so I didn’t want to end on that note.” Gabby Douglas said this in 2024 when she decided to give gymnastics another try after an eight-year hiatus. At Rio, she was left heartbroken due to back-to-back controversies: not keeping her hand on her chest during the national anthem, or being ridiculed for her hair. But it got worse when the two-country rule restricted her from the all-around finals, and she missed that chance. So when she returned to Paris, she hoped things would happen differently. Little did she know, another sad chapter was in store for her…

Many would not know that Gabby Douglas never officially retired after Rio; she just didn’t show up at Tokyo or any other gymnastics championships after 2016. After the Rio horror, she had confessed that the comments were hurtful and a lot to deal with. “When they talk about my hair, or me not putting my hand on my heart, or me being very salty in the stands and really criticizing me….it really doesn’t feel good.” But still, she gathered all her courage and returned in 2024, until fate disclosed its plans for her.

In 2024, Gabby Douglas returned to the mats at the U.S. Classic. She was supposed to come earlier, for the Winter Cup that season, but she contracted COVID. However, when she finally showed up, her performance was very rusty. Still, she qualified for the National Championships, but unfortunately, could never compete there. Yes, just days before the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships were set to commence, Douglas pulled out of the competition, citing an ankle injury that she sustained during practice. That’s how her Olympic dream ended.

Gabby Douglas had said last year, “I’m sad to say that due to a foot injury during practice, I will not be able to continue my 2024 journey.” But she was still not ready to hang her grips. “This may be the end of this chapter, but not the end of my gymnastics story.” She then announced, “My plan is to continue to train for the L.A. 2028 Olympics. It would be such an honor to represent the U.S. at a home Olympics.” But can this be realistically possible? Well, by the time LA arrives, Douglas will be 31. Not that she can’t, but it’s quite risky for someone to compete at that age. Especially considering that her 2024 plans got rained on because of an injury.

Honestly, it seems like a 50-50 chance. Considering that there are gymnasts like Ellie Black was 28 when she competed at the Paris Olympics, which has been a serious progress from the earlier times, with gymnasts even in their late twenties being considered too old. Even Simone Biles at 27 in Paris was the oldest American gymnast at the Olympics since 1952. And these gymnasts still haven’t had their last hurrahs, hinting that they might come to LA. So if they can, even Gabby Douglas can. But again, the risks will mount. Considering all that Douglas went through to get back in 2024….

 Getting back in 2024 wasn’t easy for Gabby Douglas

If 2024 wasn’t as easy, it’s safe to say that Gabby Douglas’ preparation for the 2028 LA Olympics would be much more dangerous. But how do we know that 2024 was painful? On January 222, Douglas added a video on Instagram documenting a few snippets from her 2024 comeback practices. And having looked at them all, one could say that it was really rough. Losing balance on the beam, botched landings, skin peeled off her palms, and much more, the BTS of her trainings set straight the reality that it isn’t easy.

And this isn’t just true for Gabby Douglas, but for every gymnast out there. At 26, in February this year, the reigning Olympic floor champion, Rebeca Andrade, decided to retire from the floor because of her health. She said, “Vault and bars are totally fine for me, so I’ll do them. Beam I’m not sure, but it’s not as demanding on my body as floor. I’m sticking to the decision of not doing floor for now.” Many gymnasts have taken such harsh calls for their bodies in the past. Because, let’s face it, it isn’t easy.

Given these aspects, Gabby Douglas’ return looks dicey. But again, you never know if her willpower will steer her to LA! What do you think? Let us know below!