Why Did Gabby Douglas Leave Gymnastics? Exploring the Reason Behind Olympic Champion Quitting Sport Twice

Gabby Douglas, the 2012 all-around Olympic gold medalist, made an improbable return to gymnastics nearly eight years ago – the reason? Paris Olympics. Having recently secured her spot in the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in April, her resurgence in the sport is gaining momentum. With her upcoming participation in the U.S. Classics alongside Simone Biles and Suni Lee and more on May 18th, Douglas stands at the threshold of potential qualification for the Olympic Trials in June. Her sights are firmly set on the grand stage of the 2024 Summer Olympics. But there’s more to the story.

Despite never formally announcing her retirement, upon her return, Gabby Douglas candidly stated, “I didn’t want to end this sport like I did in 2016.” Explaining further, she expressed her deep love for gymnastics and her desire to continuously challenge herself, emphasizing that she never intended to leave the sport on a sour note. However, the lingering question remains: What factors led to her initial retirement and the subsequent delay in her return to gymnastics?

Gabby Douglas’ timeless passion for gymnastics

At 28, Gabby Douglas may be considered on the older side for gymnasts at the Olympics, but her youthful spirit and competitive drive remain as strong as ever. As she aptly puts it, “I’m still a competitor at heart.” Douglas has left an indelible mark on gymnastics, particularly during her last appearance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she played a pivotal role in securing the American team’s second consecutive gold medal in the team competition.

However, following the Olympics, Douglas made the courageous decision to step away from the sport, recognizing the importance of prioritizing her mental health. She announced her hiatus, signaling her intention to turn inward and embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

In 2022, whispers began circulating that Douglas was contemplating a return to the gym. It was revealed that her spark reignited after watching the 2022 championships, stirring a longing for competition within her. Recalling the moment of realization, she shared, “I was like, ‘I miss competing.’ I found myself in the gym, and I was like, ‘Alright, maybe I could do this again’.” With renewed determination, Gabby aimed to make her comeback in February, only to encounter unforeseen obstacles that forced her to temporarily step back once more.

COVID-19 diagnosis to Olympic dream – Gabby’s journey to redemption

Gabby was about to make a comeback during the Winter Cup in February 2024, but faced a setback when a COVID-19 diagnosis forced her to withdraw. Reflecting on her journey, she shared with Inside Gymnastics Magazine, “I really think that time—stepping back away from the sport and figuring out myself, and life—helped me.” Despite the challenges, her passion for gymnastics remained unwavering.

However, her road to redemption encountered another hurdle in April when she wasn’t invited to compete in the April national team camp meet. Undeterred, Gabby persevered, and by the end of April, she made her triumphant return to competitive gymnastics at the American Classic in Katy, Texas.

Although her performance was outstanding, with an impressive vault followed by a few setbacks on the uneven bars, Gabby narrowly missed the mark for all-around competition at this year’s national championships. At the same time, she qualified in two events: vault and balance beam. But her quest for a spot in the all-around competition continues. With one last opportunity to secure her place at the U.S. Classic from May 17 to May 18, the question remains: Will Gabby Douglas defy the odds once again and secure her ticket to the Paris Olympics? Only time will tell. Just two more days left to go.