Struggling for Comeback After COVID, Gabby Douglas Finally Announces Her Season Debut Before Paris Olympics

Three-time Olympic champion Gabby Douglas has made a significant decision: she’s returning to WOGA Gymnastics under the guidance of coaches Anna and Valeri Liukin. Anna Liukin confirmed this development to Olympics.com on Thursday, March 7th. Having recommenced her training almost two years ago, Douglas is now back at WOGA, finding familiarity and support as the U.S. elite gymnastics scene gains momentum.

With her sights fixed on competitive opportunities following her absence from February’s Winter Cup due to a positive COVID-19 test, Douglas’s comeback to WOGA marks a crucial juncture in her gymnastics journey.

Is Gabby Douglas ready to make a daring debut?

Anna Liukin, alongside her husband Valeri, had been guiding Douglas on her gymnastics journey since 2022. However, on Tuesday, news broke that Douglas had left their Dallas-based gymnastics facility. Anna Liukin confirmed this development, stating that Douglas had left on Sunday. Nonetheless, there seems to be a twist in the tale as Douglas is back at the same gym shortly after. “She’s hoping for an invite to the April camp,“ Anna Liukin disclosed to Olympics.com. “If we receive the invitation, she aims to compete in the all-around at the April verification.”

The forthcoming camp, scheduled for April 1-4 in Katy, Texas, plays a pivotal role as the selection platform for both the Jesolo Trophy and Pacific Rim Championships. Despite recent challenges, Douglas unwaveringly maintains her dedication to the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games, as stated in a recent communication obtained by Inside Gymnastics magazine. A spokesperson for Douglas emphasized her resolute focus on maximizing her efforts to excel in Paris. This April gathering serves as a significant milestone in her journey towards realizing her aspirations for the Paris Olympics.

Douglas’s last shot, can she secure her spot at the U.S. Championships?

Gabby Douglas’s path to the U.S. Championships in late May hinges on securing a qualifying spot, a feat she could achieve through various avenues. The first opportunity arises at April’s national team camp or at the American Classic later that month. Should these opportunities elude her, the U.S. Classic, scheduled for 17-19 May in Hartford, Connecticut, stands as her final chance to earn her place.

Read More: ‘You Can’t Give Up Your Gift’: Gabby Douglas Once Revealed How Her Brother’s Encouragement Kept Her Dream Alive Before Stardom

The rekindling of Douglas’s Olympic aspirations was initially revealed by coach Valeri Liukin in late February of the previous year, a sentiment reaffirmed by Douglas herself on her Instagram in July. Yet, the question lingers: Will she secure her spot in the Paris Olympics?

Read More: What Has Gabby Douglas Been Up to Since the Rio Olympics in 2016?