Gabby Douglas recently withdrew from the 2024 US Gymnastics Winter Cup, marking a setback in her long-awaited comeback after an 8-year hiatus. Unfortunately, her return was hampered by her testing positive for Covid-19 test, depriving her of a highly anticipated moment and a valuable opportunity.

After an eight-year hiatus, Gabby Douglas has returned to artistic gymnastics. Despite the challenges, she has dedicated herself to training for almost a year now, determined to achieve what she could not in the Rio 2016 Olympics

When Gabby Douglas faced an unbelievable setback just before her hiatus

Gabby Douglas entered the 2016 Rio Olympic Games as the reigning all-around Olympic champ. While she acquired top scores from the judges, she fell just short of coming in the top two performers from the US. The new two-person limit in the all-around category for each nation prevented Douglas from qualifying for the event, witnessing Simone Biles and Aly Raisman advancing while Biles secured gold and Raisman silver.

Douglas, securing a gold that year, took a hiatus due to mental health struggles. Now, with determination for a comeback, her plans have been thwarted by the unfortunate COVID-19 diagnosis, posing a significant challenge to her Paris Olympics dreams.

The cut-throat competition in the gymnastics powerhouse nation of the USA

The US has become a bonafide powerhouse in the realm of artistic gymnastics. While Simone Biles dominated everyone by default, Sunisa Lee ensured that American dominance remained even in her absence. This, however, has led to several fans downplaying her 2020 Tokyo Olympics all-around gold. 

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Thus, fighting her kidney disease, Suni will make her way to Paris to fight Biles in a battle of Titans. Not just Suni, Gabby Douglas will also have to face Jordan Chiles, Leanne Wong, Joscelyn Roberson, Shilese Jones, Skye Blakely, and many more world champions. Most importantly, the 3x Olympic champ is yet to qualify for the upcoming Paris Games. Do you think Gabby Douglas will be able to win her second all-around Olympic gold? Let us know in the comments below!

ALSO READ – “Praying for You”: Gabby Douglas Fans Support Olympic Champ as She Announces Shocking Winter Cup Exit