Just hours before podium training kicked off at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut, there was a bit of a scare for Gabby Douglas. News started swirling that she might miss out on her chances ahead of the 2024 Core Hydration Classic. Taking to her Instagram stories while en route to the airport, Gabby shared her dilemma: “Flight got cancelled and now stuck in Dallas. Help!!!!!”
It wasn’t just a run-of-the-mill delay either; the National Weather Service (NWS) had issued flood alerts over areas like Dallas, Fort Worth, and Plano due to expected heavy rainfall. And to top it off, severe thunderstorms were in the forecast, making matters worse.
But just minutes before podium training began, GymCastic, a gymnastics news account, dropped a bombshell: “USAG let us know that Gabby has arrived in Hartford.” A collective sigh of relief echoed among fans around the world. Then, after an electrifying showcase in the arena the day before, Gabby spilled the beans on her journey to Connecticut. A post by Nick McCarvel on X revealed the final twist: “Gabby Douglas says she flew private to Hartford after flight delays out of Dallas yesterday.“
Gabby Douglas says she flew private to Hartford after flight delays out of Dallas yesterday.
She, Suni Lee and Simone Biles set to make history as three Olympic all-around champs competing at one event pic.twitter.com/BY0vpCItju
— Nick McCarvel (@NickMcCarvel) May 17, 2024
Talk about cutting it close! Despite the travel hiccup, Gabby managed to make it to Hartford, setting the stage for an epic showdown with fellow champions like Suni Lee and Simone Biles at the Core Hydration Classic. But that’s not all; Gabby shared with the press that she had only managed a mere 2 hours of sleep prior to podium training. So how did she perform?
How did Gabby turn heads during podium training?
During podium training, Gabby Douglas mesmerized onlookers with her impeccable performance on the uneven bars, flawlessly executing a captivating full set that showcased her extraordinary precision. While her coach, Valeri Liukin, appeared actively involved, especially during the Chow 1/2 sequence, his specific contributions remained somewhat enigmatic to observers.
Gabby Douglas is in the house for #CoreClassic Podium Training!
Watch Live ➡️ https://t.co/zCjH2V7UwF pic.twitter.com/Q9o86IFqG0
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) May 17, 2024
Transitioning to the floor exercise, Gabby continued to command attention with her dynamic routines, effortlessly executing a front full to full-in and delivering a breathtaking double layout that left spectators in awe. Collectively, her stellar performance foreshadowed a formidable presence at the upcoming 2024 Core Hydration Classic, leaving no doubt about her readiness to pave her path to the Paris Olympics.
