The gymnastic luminary Gabby Douglas finally came out of her shell after making waves at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Alongside greats like Simone Biles and Laurie Hernandez, Douglas’ last appearance on the competitive mat was 8 years ago. But the Paris Olympics 2024 will be one of her stints if she makes it to the June trials. Missing out on the 2024 World Cup by an unforeseen setback resurfaced a 2012 accomplishment.

Douglas’ book Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith was released in December 2012, when she was at the pinnacle of her career. On The New York Times Young Adult Bestseller List, it debuted at number 4. Even now, the portion inside the book where she speaks about her gymnastic excellence without any training captures readers.

Gabby Douglas baffled the gym trainer with her gymnastic routines

12 years since that magical year, the beautifully written autobiography is still going strong on Amazon. The book is all about how the 2012 London Olympics all-around gold medalist soared to the peak. Starting with how her mom took the first step to sail her boat, Gabby Douglas said that Gymstrada was the first training center where all 4 siblings registered. But it was the 2015 World all-around silver medalist who impressed the trainer.

“Is this your daughter?” Gymstrada’s owner asked my mom after my first session. He tilted his head in my direction, and Mom nodded yes. “How much gymnastics training has she had?” My mother paused, then formed the number zero with her right fist, which she put up to her right eye.”

“Are you kidding me?” he said, furrowing his brow”, quoted Douglas. This instance vindicated her statement: “I was a real showoff back then”. Now an owner of a bag full of laurels, gymnastics came naturally to the 28-year-old. The eight-year-long hiatus in between could have posed a challenge, but she didn’t give in.

Douglas’ mindful decision to get back to competing

Before the Olympics, she has to secure a place at the American Classic or April’s national team camp. But what reignited her Olympic hope? “As you all know, I stepped back from the socials, and in that time, I did a lot of journaling, reflecting, soul searching and found myself back where it all began”. 

She further said, “I know I have a huge task ahead of me, and I am beyond grateful and excited to get back out on the floor”. Recently, Gymnastics Now’s X post asserted that the legend is back at it starting with a clip of her uneven bars routine. That was a reshare of the gymnast’s Instagram story.

READ MORE: Gabby Douglas Feels ‘Extremely Honored’ by Young Fan’s Heartwarming Gesture