The 2016 Rio Olympics created an interesting saga of triumphs and challenges for Team U.S.A. The women?s gymnastics team comprised the ?Fierce Five,? which boasted of the most iconic gymnasts in existence. Among them was one legendary athlete who had made history as the first African American to become the Olympic individual all-around champion in 2012. Following her triumphs in 2016, the gymnast walked away from the sport with a heavy heart.

Gabby Douglas was on the precipice of a breakdown, her problems stemming from se*ual violation and online bullying. Nonetheless, she retained her mental fortitude and took a break from gymnastics. Now, she has gotten over ?not feeling worthy of being on that team? and made a return to the sport. But her comeback trail has been strewn with thorns, and she decided to return the favor yesterday with daggers of her own. But a day later, a new addition to her family distracted her from the negativity and brought a smile back to her face.

Gabby Douglas introduces new family pet

Earlier this year, Gabby Douglas wrote on her social media handle, ?I wanted to find the joy again for the sport that i absolutely love doing?. However, contrary to her expectations, she did not receive special permission to compete at the U.S. Classics. As a direct consequence, she also missed out on the chance to compete at the World Gymnastics Championships beside former teammate Simone Biles. She was not ready for such as treatment, and rightly so, as the three-time Olympic gold medalist, Douglas, deserved more courtesy. These have been frustrating her for quite some time, and she revealed her ?mood? yesterday with dagger-shaped earrings. However, today her mood has altered as she held a new puppy in her arms on an Instagram post captioned, ?guys!! meet max!? the newest member of the fam?.

Max is a husky with blue eyes and a lush coat. The Olympian held the puppy in her arms for the camera and touched her cheek against its soft coat. There was a chill in the air, and she wore a hooded sweatshirt. Thus, Max?s warm coat must have been a great comfort. The puppy?s presence had worked wonders on the gymnast?s mood and helped her welcome the holiday season with a gusto.

Dog lover Douglas reveals her gymnastics plans

Gabby Douglas once revealed that her dogs love to tag along to the gym and exercise with her. Interestingly, she finds new motivation in their determination to give the apparatuses their best. Therefore, she is always busy preparing nutritious home-cooked meals for them to keep them fit for the task. On that note, Gabby Douglas said, ?Not only do I research what goes into my body and my mind, I’ll do the same thing for them?. Now that she is back to training, Max will be a great cheerleader.

Read More: Days After Comeback, 3-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas ?Serves? Stunning Gymnastics Display Ahead of Paris 2024

Gabby Douglas wants to quit the sport with a glad heart and without any regrets. She wants the victory in the 2024 Paris Olympics to wash clean all of her unsavory experiences post-2016. In that regard, the iconic athlete said, ?I don?t want to end it that way. I?ve never announced retirement. I always kept in the back of my mind, like, we have to finish on a better note?. Will the joys of the holiday season continue in the 2024 season for her?

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