Gabby Douglas vows to 'continue to train' after ending 2024 Olympics bid due to ankle injury

FORT WORTH, TEXAS: Gymnast sensation Gabby Douglas withdrew from the US gymnastics championships in Fort Worth, Texas this weekend after suffering an ankle injury during her training this week. 

During a conversation with ESPN on Wednesday, May 29, Douglas opened up about her plans after ending her bid to make it to the American gymnastics team for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, set to be held in July. 

Gabby Douglas ends 2024 Olympics bid after suffering ankle injury

The three-time Olympic gold medallist declared in February that she would be going back to competitive gymnastics to vie for another Olympic gold. The 28-year-old would have been the oldest American woman to compete in gymnastics at the Olympics since 1952 had she made the squad.

"I love this sport and I love pushing my limits,” Douglas told ESPN while also expressing pride in what she’s accomplished during her 18-month comeback to the sport. 

"I hope I can inspire both my peers and the next generation of gymnasts that age is just a number, and you can accomplish anything you work hard for,” she continued.

The gymnast added, "My plan is to continue to train for the LA 2028 Olympics. It would be such an honor to represent the US at a home Olympics."

One of the most accomplished competitors in the sport, Douglas made history in 2012 when she became the first Black gymnast to win the Olympic all-around title in London.

This April, she participated in the American Classic, her first competition in eight years. She was eligible to compete in the US championships but withdrew from the US Classic in Hartford, Connecticut in mid-May citing difficulty on the bars.

While Douglas’ hopes of making this year’s Olympic squad are over, she is now setting her sights on the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

"It would be such an honor to represent the US at a home Olympics,” she told ESPN. 

Fans support Gabby Douglas amid her knee injury

Several social media users gushed praise over Douglas, with a Facebook user saying, "You are still awesome athlete. Represented our Country with strength, grace. You have inspired many young girls of all ages and skins tones to become a great athletes like you. Hold your head up high you are a champion."

Another said, "You were our Olympic Gold Medalist and AA winner. I wish only the best for you!" Someone else wrote, "Hold your head up high. You are so awesome! Proud of you! See you in the next quad if you so choose!"

"Take care of yourself," someone urged. Another said, "She will come back even stronger!/."

"Good. Let the spot go to another promising young athlete who deserves and wants to go!" a user wrote.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.