Gabby Douglas may be ready to make her long awaited return to gymnastics.
After walking away from the sport 7 years ago, the Olympic all-around champion teased a possible return in a post on her Instagram page. “Hey guys…as you all know I stepped back from the socials and in that time I did a lot of journaling, reflecting, soul searching and found myself back where it all began,” she wrote.
She continued, “It’s so easy to suppress and run away from facing darkness and fears for many years. I’ve had an ache in my heart but I didn’t want to keep carrying anger, pain, sadness, or regret and through my tears and hurt, I’ve found peace. I wanted to find the joy again for the sport that I absolutely love doing.”
Douglas went on to say, “I know I have a huge task ahead of me and I am beyond grateful and excited to get back out on the floor and even more grateful for all of your support and love. It truly means so much. There’s so much to be said but for now… let’s do this #2024.”
Gabby Douglas has not competed since the 2016 Olympic Rio Games, where she would go on to win her second consecutive gold medal. However, she quickly became the target of online bullying and her mother, Natalie Hawkins, spoke out against the negativity that her daughter was receiving about the color of her skin and her hair.
We’re glad to see Gabby Douglas coming back to the place where it all began for her.