“Never Announced Retirement”: Moment Gabby Douglas Came Out of Hibernation in 2016

Gabby Douglas, the first African-American gymnast to win the Olympic all-around gold, is an icon in gymnastics. As fans gear up for the Olympic year, the Winter Cup, a qualifier for the 2024 U.S. Gymnastics Championships, is set to unfold for American elite gymnasts. At this showdown, the American pioneer Douglas is poised to enter the competitive arena eight years after her last competition.

Opening up about this sabbatical, which many people mistook as her retirement from gymnastics, Gabby Douglas recently revealed the moment she came out of hibernation in 2016.

Gabby Douglas reveals why she chose to make a return to gymnastics

After almost eight years away from the sport, Gabby Douglas decided to make a comeback to gymnastics. According to NBC10 Philadelphia, since the 2016 Rio Olympics, fans have been awaiting massive contention from Gabby. But, apart from gymnastics, she was only seen taking up speaking engagements. However, in 2022, Gabby felt ready to return to training. She started hitting the gym again, working hard to regain her strength and skills.

Then, last summer, Gabby made a big announcement. She revealed that she was setting her sights on the 2024 Olympics and would try to make the Olympic team. Gabby Douglas shared with NBC10 Philadelphia, “I never announced a retirement. I didn’t want to end this sport like I did in 2016. I wanted to take a step back and work on myself and my mental state.” As we reflect on this confession by Gabby, let us see what awaits her at the Winter Cup as she looks to face off against another Olympic champion too.

The contention ahead at the Winter Cup

The Winter Cup marks an iconic return to competition for three-time Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas. Joining her, Suni Lee, the all-around gold medalist from the 2020-21 Tokyo Olympics, will also be returning after a tumultuous 2023 marred by her kidney-related health setbacks. Gabby will be showcasing her skills and routines on the floor, aiming for a strong performance in floor exercises and powerful and precise techniques in the vault.

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Suni Lee, on the other hand, is poised to demonstrate her grace and precision on the balance beam and is aiming to perform a new element named after her, the “Lee,” a full-twisting Jaeger on uneven bars. These are the events where Gabby Douglas and Suni Lee will be competing against each other at the 2024 Winter Cup.

Additionally, both gymnasts will be competing in other events to showcase their versatility and skills as well. The Winter Cup is scheduled to take place from February 23rd to 25th at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Who will you be cheering for? Comment below!

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