“Not My Passion Anymore”: Gabby Douglas Was All Set To Quit Gymnastics Before Winning Her First Olympic Medal

Gabby Douglas rose to prominence after her triumphant performance in 2012, a moment that still resonates in the memories of many. Surprisingly, at that time, she was on the brink of quitting gymnastics altogether. In her memoir “Grace, Gold & Glory: My Leap of Faith,” published in 2012 when she was just 17 years old, Douglas revealed her inner struggles, a path rife with downfalls and eventual glory.

Douglas, known for winning the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics and playing a role in the victorious team in Rio, is considered one of the top gymnasts globally but had her moments of weaknesses and bad days which egged her to go cold turkey on gymnastics. Despite her accomplishments, she nearly decided to leave her career because of homesickness.

A turning point- Gabby Douglas had a momentary careerist epiphany

Seven months prior to her victory in 2012, Gabby Douglas encountered a significant moment in her life. Dealing with the demanding rigors of gymnastics practice, feelings of homesickness, and the racial obstacles prevalent in her sport, she found herself at a critical juncture. In her memoir, she revealed that she sought solace from her family, disclosing her contemplation of walking from gymnastics permanently.

“Gymnastics is not my passion anymore,” she conveyed in a heartfelt text to her mother, encapsulating the internal turmoil she grappled with. In that vulnerable moment as she lost the flame she once had burning brightly within her, she dared to entertain the notion of embracing a new pursuit. This was fueled by admiration for athletes like Usain Bolt and the prospect of finding fame on the track.

As she mentioned in her memoir, “Maybe I could swap gymnastics for running. I returned my fingertips to the keyboard and continued writing: “I want to get famous off of running track.” Or maybe not.”Despite facing doubts and challenges, she continued with determination, eventually gaining recognition for her achievements at the 2012 Olympics. Unbeknownst to her, at the time, that pivotal choice marked the commencement of her career journey.

Douglas’ epic return to gymnastics after taking her solemn pledge to not look back

In the 2016 Olympics, Douglas played a part in helping the U.S. women’s team clinch their consecutive win, earning herself a well-earned third Olympic gold medal. After this feat, she chose to take a needed break from the intense pressures of competing. Yet on Saturday, April 27th, the three time gold medal winner made a return, at the American Classic event, in Katy, Texas.

She made it through the qualifications for the U.S. Championships, which could lead to a chance to participate in the Olympic Games in Paris this summer. Despite finishing 10th in the all-around, Douglas’s standout display on the vault and balance beam earned her spots to compete in these events at the US Championships and traversing yonder. What’s going to be her calling in Paris though?