Simone Biles Set to Face Rival Gabby Douglas For The First Time in Eight Years

The Paris Olympics are shaping up to be a reunion of gymnastics titans, especially for Team USA. This year, three Olympic all-around gold medalists are vying for a spot on the roster to represent “the Stars and Stripes” in Paris. They are none other than Gabby Douglas, the 2012 Olympic all-around champion; Simone Biles, the 2016 Olympic all-around champion; and Sunisa Lee, the 2020 Olympic all-around champion.

With Suni and Gabby already making their season debuts, anticipation is now focused on the return of the most decorated gymnast ever, Simone Biles. In less than 12 days, Simone Biles is set to make her return for her fourth Olympic cycle. Alongside the mounting excitement, tensions are also rising as she prepares to come face-to-face with her former teammate after eight years, Gabby Douglas, with whom she shares a strained relationship.

Simone Biles and Gabby Douglass are set to battle each other

An announcement by USA Gymnastics on X revealed the list of senior and junior women set to compete at the 2024 Core Hydration Classic. In an exciting return of the titans, alongside fellow Olympians like Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, and others, Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas are also registered to go head-to-head. It’s been eight years since the two veterans last faced off, their previous encounter being at the 2016 Tokyo Olympics in “The Final Five.”

What’s even more enthralling is that, for the first time in history, a gymnastics competition is expected to see three Olympic all-around gold medalists compete head-to-head. Gabby Douglas, Simone Biles, and Suni Lee will face off on May 17–18 in Hartford, Connecticut. As we reflect on the upcoming event and anticipate witnessing history unfold on American soil, let’s delve into the complex relationship between Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas, once close friends and teammates.

How did their relationship turn sour?

Before the 2016 Tokyo Olympics, Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas were renowned for their close friendship. Their bond was evident from the moment they became roommates at a training camp in 2014. Sharing shenanigans and late-night laughs, they formed a strong connection. Simone even described Gabby as an older sister and mentor, emphasizing their friendship both inside and outside the gym.

However, their relationship took a turn amid and after the 2016 Rio Olympics. While Simone Biles was making her Olympic debut, Gabby Douglas was the first African American to win the Olympic all-around title. When Simone clinched the gold medal in the individual women’s all-around competition, fans noticed peculiar behavior from Gabby. While the stadium erupted in cheers and her teammates, including Laurie Hernandez and Madison Kocian, stood up to applaud Simone, Gabby remained seated with a smile on her face.

This gesture drew backlash online, with many calling it “bad sportsmanship.” Gabby later addressed the criticism by congratulating her teammates Simone Biles and Aly Raisman on Twitter, saying, “Congratulations to my girls @Simone_Biles @Aly_Raisman for winning GOLD & SILVER in the ALL AROUND! I love you guyyyssss!” However, their relationship was further strained when the Larry Nassar scandal emerged. Simone Biles and Aly Raisman openly testified against Nassar for the abuse they endured.

On November 17, 2017, Aly Raisman took to Twitter to emphasize that attire doesn’t justify abuse, garnering support from Simone Biles. Shortly after, Gabby retweeted Aly’s post and wrote, “It is our responsibility as women to dress modestly and be classy. Dressing in a provocative/sexual way entices the wrong crowd.”

This statement caused significant controversy within the gymnastics community, especially with Simone Biles, who expressed her disappointment publicly. She shared a screenshot of Gabby’s deleted post and wrote, “shocks me that I’m seeing this but it doesn’t surprise me… honestly seeing this brings me to tears bc as your teammate I expected more from you & to support her. I support you Aly  & all the other women out there! STAY STRONG” Gabby attempted to clarify her stance, asserting her solidarity with victims of abuse, but the damage had been done.

She wrote, “I didn’t correctly word my reply & i am deeply sorry for coming off like i don’t stand alongside my teammates,” and even shared that regardless of what anyone wears, abuse is unacceptable and stated, “#metoo” on November 18, 2017. Since the situation unfolded, neither Simone Biles nor Gabby Douglas have publicly commented on the status of their relationship. As Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas are set to come face-to-face once again, the question arises: could they rekindle their once-close relationship? As we eagerly anticipate this moment, share your thoughts below!