Gabby Douglas Ending 8-Year-Long Hiatus Gets Special Tribute From Fierce Five Teammate: ‘Truly Incredible’

Gabby Douglas is America’s favorite gymnast who became the first African-American to win an individual all-around gold at the 2012 London Olympics. She also participated in multiple routines at the 2024 American Classic on April 27, 2024, in Katy, Texas. Douglas had a tough start on the floor exercise and then fell twice on the uneven bars, which was once her best event.

The 28-year-old gymnast last participated in the 2016 Rio Olympics, winning team gold, where her 2012 London Olympics “Fierce Five” teammate Aly Raisman won three additional individual medals. Despite early challenges, Douglas’ compatriot Raisman kept her spirits up as she made her much-anticipated comeback to the sport.

Gabby Douglas’s teammate applauds resilient comeback

Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman were part of the 2012 Team USA, which won their nation’s second gold medal after 1996. Their team was famously dubbed “the Fierce Five.” They once again qualified for the 2016 Olympics in Rio, gaining the nickname “Final Five.” Yesterday’s performance was a big moment for Gabby Douglas performing in competitive gymnastics after eight years, Aly Raisman praised her on X and said, “Congrats @gabrielledoug so much hard work & dedication went into this moment. Truly incredible! So exciting!!!“

Douglas received a score of 11.450 in the floor routine. She landed one of the finest vaults of the day, scoring 14.00 and finishing second behind Carey. However, the uneven bar’s fall eventually took away the majority of her scoring. Yet, Gabby managed to put up an all-around score of 50.650 finishing 10th. Despite her efforts, the three-time Olympic gold medalist couldn’t score the 51 points necessary to remain on the national team roster. However, Douglas can still clinch her Paris spot by competing at the 2024 Core Hydration Classic on May 17-18.

Internet hounding and return of big dreams

A large portion of Twitter erupted angrily calling out Gabby Douglas for being the only member of the “Final Five” who did not place her hand over her heart during the playing of “The Star Spangled Banner” at the 2026 Rio Olympics. During the all-around final cameras captured her calmly sitting as the rest of Team USA cheered on Biles and Raisman. Douglas later said, “I was supporting Aly. I will always will support them and respect them. I don’t want anyone to take it as jealous or I wanted attention. Never. I support them and I’m sorry I wasn’t showing it.” 

Gabby Douglas stated her desire to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in July 2023. Furthermore, on February 27, Anna Liukin and her husband Valeri, who had been training Douglas since 2022, confirmed that she is no longer training at their renowned gymnastics facility, WOGA Gymnastics. However, in announcing her comeback to the sport, Douglas stated that she would be competing in “a few more assignments” before the Olympic Trials.