Some fan favorite gymnastics superstars are making their return. Less than a month after fans learned that Simone Biles has officially made her return to the sport, Gabby Douglas has done the same. In an Instagram post, the gold medalist shared a few words with followers, revealing that she is ready to get back in the game.
“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 said in the caption.
Douglas explained that for many years she has dealt with an ache in her heart but didn’t want to continue carrying anger, pain, sadness or regret.
“Through my tears and hurt, i’ve found peace. i wanted to find the joy again for the sport that i absolutely love doing. i know i have a huge task ahead of me and i am beyond grateful and excited to get back out on the floor,” she wrote.
Douglas also posted a video of herself practicing on the uneven bars. It is the event in which she won the 2012 U.S national championship. She went on to make history as the first Black woman to win the all-around Olympic title in 2012.
Gabby Douglas’ Legacy
Douglas has been inactive in the sport since the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. During the event, she received a team gold medal. Since then, she took time to focus on her mental health. In a post on Instagram last year, the gymnast explained that she was taking a break from social media.
“My life has never been smooth or easy. I have carried a heavy weight on my back for quite some time and it has weighed me down, physically, mentally, and emotionally,” she wrote in the post. “So many things and people have tried to crush and break me.”
“I refuse to be defeated by this weight, I refuse to be hardened by this weight,” Douglas added. “I want to be the best representation for all of you and be the best version of myself.”
Gymnastics fans from all over are excited to see what the competition will hold next year with Biles and Douglas in the race to make it to the U.S. Olympic team.