Three-time Olympic gymnastics gold medallist Gabby Douglas of the United States will not take part in the upcoming U.S. Gymnastics Championships, set for May 30-June 2 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Douglas sustained an ankle injury this week in training, according to ESPN.
“I love this sport and I love pushing my limits,” said Douglas. “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.”
The 28-year-old had failed to qualify for the all-around in her two competitive outings, the American and U.S. Classics, her first since the Olympic Games Rio 2016. However, she had scored high enough to compete on three apparatus: vault, uneven bars and balance beam.
This might not be the end for Douglas, who says she has dreams of LA 2028.
“My plan is to continue to train for the L.A. 2028 Olympics. It would be such an honor to represent the U.S. at a home Olympics,” she said.
Douglas’ history-making career first captivated the world at London 2012, where she helped Team USA to its first team gold medal in 20 years. Days later, she soared to the all-around crown, a first for an African American.
Following a competitive break, Douglas returned to the mat in 2015, again helping Team USA to a World team title and finishing runner-up in the all-around to superstar Simone Biles in the all-around at the global meet.
At Rio 2016, she missed the all-around final despite finishing third in the qualifying standings due to a rule that only allows two athletes per nation to advance. Biles and fellow London 2012 gold medallist Aly Raisman were first and second there.
Still, Douglas played an integral role in that squad’s team win – her third Olympic gold medal – contributing a 15.766 on the uneven bars in the medal round.