The 2024 edition of Simone Biles’ Gold Over America had a major change from its first iteration. The tour which was previously organized in 2021 after the Tokyo Olympics, made a return this year, with the addition of male gymnasts. Paul Juda, Fred Richard, Shane Wiskus, and many other names from the US men’s gymnasts team have joined Simone Biles on the 30-city tour.

The tour has already been to eight cities to showcase a mix of gymnastics and entertainment to fans across the US. But before their visit to the Maverik Center Salt Lake on September 23, 3-time Pan American Games gold medalist Donnell Whitenburg announced his decision to withdraw from the tour due to an injury. He didn’t disclose the nature of the injury, however, a more recent update suggests his road to recovery has started.

Whittenburg has confirmed he has undergone surgery for the injury that led to his early exit from the tour. He uploaded a photo of himself from the hospital bed on his Instagram story on Saturday with the caption, “Made it through yesterday’s surgery; time to heal up.” In the photo, the 30-year-old gymnast can also be seen flexing his muscles on the bed.

Though the successful surgery update is heartening, it could lead to a major setback in his gymnastics season. Despite performing well in the trials and earning accolades, he was unable to make it to the Paris Olympics team. Thus, his eyes were set on an appearance at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships getting underway on October 19. But it looks difficult that he could make the event at the moment, given his current status.

Whittenburg has been battling injuries for the last few years, which have derailed his career from time to time. In November 2017, he had to undergo shoulder surgery and two years later he suffered a knee injury, which kept him out of action. Apart from that his back issues have also affected his performances in the past.

Apart from success at the Pan American Games, he has also won two medals at the World Championships. He won a bronze in the team event in 2014 and followed it up with another bronze in 2015 in vault in Glasgow, Scotland. The Simone Biles-led GOAT would have given him a chance to showcase his skill on another big stage, but injury curtailed his run.

On September 23rd, he talked about it in an Instagram post, saying, “It’s tough to step away, especially all the work I put in. But health comes first.” Though he didn’t specify the injury, it was rumored that he may have suffered an Achilles injury. Gymnastics coach Mike Canales had also shown his concern over the reports.

Tweeting after Whittenburg shared the update first, he wrote, “If reports of Donnell Whittenburg’s Achilles injury are true, it’s a reminder of how prevalent this injury is in our sport…. My thoughts are with Donnell as he navigates his recovery.” Whittenburg also received support from his GOAT teammates when he announced the injury.

Simone Biles and the rest of the GOAT squad backed Donnell Whittenburg

Replying to Donnell Whitenburg’s Instagram statement, Jade Carey posted a message of support saying, “you’re the best, don don!!” She was not the only gymnast to express her support. Peng Peng Lee, who is also a part of the Gold Over America tour, said, “UR THE BEST WE MISS U ALREADY.” This comment really shows that despite only performing in five shows of the Gold Over America tour, Donnell has left a huge impact on his fellow gymnasts. The fact that the camp already misses him is proof of this.

Simone Biles also left a reaction in the comments, saying, “🤍🤍”. This shows how much love the gymnast has for Donnell Whitenburg. Simone was the one who wanted to add male gymnasts this time around at the Gold Over America tour and thus may have played a crucial role in the three-time Pan American Champion’s inclusion, too. Thus, she was one of the first ones to react.

Another gymnast who responded was Katelyn Ohashi, who seems to have formed a very close bond with Donnell in these few days. She said, “you are such a bright light don! thinking of you every time we step on the floor!” Thus, most gymnasts involved with the tour showed their adoration and wished the 30-year-old gymnast well. Hopefully, this could spur him on to recover well and come back as an even better version of himself.

After their recent visit to Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Biles and Co. are headed to Chicago, Illinois to perform at the United Center.