?Let?s Do This?: Following in Simone Biles? Footsteps, 3-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Announces Comeback Ahead of 2024 Olympics After Mental Health Break

Gabby Douglas has been absent from the gymnastic world since the 2016 Olympic games. Her fans were left worried that Gabby would someday announce her retirement from the sport. However, the star athlete has recently shared an update that has overjoyed her fans. They have eagerly awaited her return, and now their wishes have been granted.

In 2012 Douglas forever became a part of history by becoming the first woman of color to be crowned the all-around Olympic champion. Later she also drew attention to the systemic racism and discrimination in gymnastics. Following this incident, she took a long break from the sport to focus on her mental health. Now, the iconic gymnast is ready to dazzle the world once again as she announced her comeback on social media.

Gabby Douglas Announces Comeback to Gymnastics

Gabby Douglas has inspired many girls to pursue their dreams in gymnastics and has become a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide. The Black community especially loves her, as she broke barriers and she has made it a point to speak out against discrimination. Following her protest, she became the victim of even harsher treatment and ultimately took a break from the sport.

Another American who has walked in Douglas’ shoes is Simone Biles. She decided to take a break after nearly getting into a fatal accident at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Biles was still in the air when she switched her 2.5 twisting Amanar vault to 1.5 twisting Yurchenko vault. She was clearly not in control of her faculties. Biles took two years off to focus on her mental health and well-being.

Both legendary women are making a comeback at the same time. Biles has already returned to her training camp to prepare for the U.S. Classic scheduled in August. In a recent Instagram post, Gabby Douglas also declared that she is making a comeback with the war cry, ?let?s do this?.?It took her almost seven years to overcome the ?anger, pain, and sadness?. She announced that she finally felt peace in her heart and had forgiven all her transgressors. Now her sole purpose in life is to qualify for the 2024 Olympics.

Douglas Overcoming Adversity and Pursuing Olympic Dreams

Gabby Douglas was a victim of abuse at the hands of Lawrence G. Nassar, the on-call doctor for the U.S.A. Gymnastics. She was among 160 other women who accused Nassar of sexual misconduct. He received a sentence of 175 years in prison for his offenses. But Gabby could not bear the trauma and pain she experienced. However, she has proven her strength by announcing her return.

Read More: ?Can?t Compare a Legend With a Champion?: Gymnastics World Baffled After Simone Biles Expresses Frustration Over Constantly Being Mistaken for Another US Gymnast

Simone Biles was also a victim of abuse at the hands of Nassar. Back in 2018, she publicly acknowledged the abuse in a Twitter post with the MeToo hashtag. Both women stayed silent because of societal pressure for a long time, but ultimately chose to speak up and not let the incident define them. In the near future, Biles and Douglas will come face to face for a spot in the U.S. Olympic team.

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