Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas “stayed up late and laughed so loudly over things like pizza that the other gymnasts banged on the walls” at a training camp in the year 2014. And that’s how an iconic, enduring friendship and bond formed between the icons who made their country proud as vital Final Five squad members at the 2016  Rio Olympics. As the warmth of their companionship strengthened in their respective professional overtures, Biles gives credit where its due to Douglas. Fast forward to 2023, and both Olympians announced an exhilarating return to gymnastics.

But while Simone Biles dominated 2023, clinching medal after medal, Gabby seemed to be missing on the gymnastics floor, even skipping the 2024 NTC. But despite Douglas remaining MIA from the gymnastics scene, Simone Biles has admitted that Gabby Douglas is the catalyst for her soaring success.

Simone Biles found a confidant and true friend in compatriot, Gabby Douglas

In her interview with Vanity Fair, seven-time Olympian Simone Biles opened up about her formative years in gymnastics and the driving force behind her legend. She shared how typically, kids start gymnastics very early, even in “Mommy and Me” classes, as soon as they can begin walking. However, Biles began her journey when she was six. She mentioned that, despite her natural talent, she had to work hard because of the delayed start. Biles shared that initially she just wanted to be a part of collegiate gymnastics. She later got inspired after watching icons like Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, Kyla Ross, and Jordyn Wieber excel. This was at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Simone Biles shared, “I saw those girls, and I was like, I’m going to the same camps they’re going to; maybe I could do that.” This credit to the icons, and especially to Gabby, came as a heartwarming surprise, especially since both scions announced their return to gymnastics around the same time. However, unlike Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas has been absent from the gymnastics floor.

Gabby Douglas gone AWOL at 2024 NTC

Back in 2023, Gabby Douglas announced on Instagram, “There’s so much to be said, but for now….💪 😎 Let’s do this #2024”. She even made her way to the 2023 National Team Camp, which began on November 1 and ended on November 15. But despite igniting the excitement she garnered with her goals for the Paris Olympics 2024, as the 2024 season is set to begin, she was missing from the 2024 National Team Camp at Stars Gymnastic Sports Center in Katy, Texas. In contrast, Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Zoe Miller, Joscelyn Roberson, and Skye Blakely, among the 26 attendees, left fans questioning Gabby’s participation this year.

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Fans hope that as the Olympic year 2024 continues to progress, they will witness both Simone Biles and her inspiration, Gabby Douglas, back on the floor, ready to etch history once again, just like in 2016.

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