Gymnastics Winter Cup 2024: Why Did Gabby Douglas Withdraw?

As the Olympic year rolled in, gymnasts forewarned themselves for the most contentious year. Several US gymnasts will look to make waves and earn a spot on the marquee roster. Moreover, the Paris Olympics will also stage some comeback performances. The most notable will be Gabby Douglas, the first woman all-around Olympic gold medalist in history.

After an 8-year-long hiatus, the 28-year-old Olympian, a part of the Rio Olympics ‘Fierce Five’, will look to make another mark in Paris. Since her feat in the 2016 Olympics, she has been off the competitive mat. But as she decided on her entry at the February Winter Cup event, she faced the hardest blow, as per her recent update.

Gabby Douglas tested positive for COVID

Resorting to her Instagram, Gabby Douglas posted an update which is not something her fans looked forward to. The text reads, “hey guys. I’m so sad to say that i won’t be competing this weekend. i was so excited to get back out on the competition floor, but unfortunately, i just tested positive for covid”. A mat that had eyes for Douglas and her celebratory comeback displays, will not feel the same anymore. Moreover, Suni Lee, who is also planning her comeback after a year plagued with her kidney issues, would’ve gotten her biggest adversary to lock horns with. But that’s also far-fetched now.

Thanking everyone who has showered love over her, Douglas’ statement further reads, “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! sending my best to everyone competing”. Especially considering how excited she was for the Winter Cup, it breaks our hearts to see the tables turn.

Douglas’ excitement knew no bounds

A while back, the 28-year-old’s Instagram post read, “SO happy to get back out on the competition floor and enjoy this sport that i fell in love with as a little girl”. As an icing on the cake, USA Gymnastics had replied, “See you in Louisville!”. 

READ MORE: “She Is Devastated”: Gabby Douglas’s Mother Once Slammed the Internet Post Social Media Bullying

She had been giving her fans sneak peeks into her training sessions as well. Her postures and stances looked like she was weaving magic in the year. Posting one of her maneuvers on Instagram, she captioned, “wow guys, what a journey so far. it’s had its ups and downs, but i’m not done pushing the boundaries”. But now, her dreams are suspended until the next event.

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