Share this @internewscast.com

Gabby Douglas, who was expected to make her return to competitive gymnastics on Saturday at the Winter Cup, announced her withdrawal from the event due to a positive Covid test.

“I was so excited to get back out on the competition floor, but unfortunately, I just tested positive for covid… I’m crushed but I’ll see you guys soon!,” Douglas said in an Instagram post on Thursday afternoon.

She was slated to compete in three of the four events on Saturday — vault, balance beam, and floor exercise — and would have faced reigning Olympic all-around champion, Sunisa Lee, in senior competition for the first time. Lee, who has been battling a kidney-related illness for the past year, is still registered for the event in Louisville, Kentucky, and plans to compete on uneven bars and beam.

Douglas announced her intention to return to competitive gymnastics at the Winter Cup on “Hallie Jackson NOW,” earlier this month.

“I didn’t want to end this sport how I did in 2016. I wanted to take a step back and work on my mental state,” she said in the interview. “I love gymnastics and love pushing myself. … I never wanted to walk away on a bad day.”

Douglas has not competed since the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where she was part of the second consecutive team gold medal for the U.S. women’s team. The team win in Rio garnered Douglas her third Olympic gold medal after she won two golds at the 2012 Olympics in London: team gold and all-around gold. Douglas’ all-around title made her the first Black gymnast to win the Olympic all-around gold medal.

Douglas never made an official retirement announcement after the Rio Olympics, but she did not attempt a comeback for the Tokyo games. At 28, she would have been the oldest gymnast in the competition at the Winter Cup.

If she is named to the Paris Olympic team, Douglas will be the first American woman since Dominique Dawes to make three Olympic teams. Her 2016 teammate, Simone Biles, is eyeing her third team as well.

The next major domestic competition on the road to Paris qualification is the Core Hydration Classic, which will be held in Hartford, Connecticut, on May 17 and 18.

Both the women’s and the men’s Olympic teams will be selected at the Olympic Trials this summer, which are scheduled for the end of June in Minneapolis. The gymnasts competing at the Olympic Trials will be determined four weeks earlier at the U.S. Championships in Fort Worth, Texas.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Texas killer asks victims' families for forgiveness before becoming first execution of 2026

Texas Inmate Seeks Forgiveness from Victims’ Families Ahead of 2026 Execution

The United States witnessed its first execution of the year as a…
Tennessee man dies after suffering heart attack while shoveling snow, adding to storm toll

Tennessee Man’s Tragic Heart Attack While Shoveling Snow Highlights Dangers of Winter Storms

A 66-year-old man from Tennessee has tragically passed away following a heart…
New videos show Alex Pretti scuffle with federal officers in Minneapolis 11 days before his death

Shocking New Footage Reveals Tense Confrontation Between Alex Pretti and Federal Officers in Minneapolis Days Before Tragic Death

Recent video footage has reignited discussions surrounding the death of Pretti, a…
Will County man John Shadbar pleads guilty in hate crime case after shooting of Melissa Robertson in Lockport

Will County Resident Admits Guilt in Hate Crime Shooting of Melissa Robertson in Lockport

A resident of Will County has admitted guilt in a case involving…
Federal judge gives man 15 years for Iran-backed assassination plot on US soil

Federal Court Sentences Man to 15 Years for Foiled Iran-Backed Assassination Plot on US Soil

In a significant legal decision, a federal judge has handed down the…
Los Angeles homeowner opens fire on burglary suspects fleeing in Studio City neighborhood

Los Angeles Homeowner Engages Burglary Suspects Fleeing Scene in Studio City Neighborhood

In the early hours of Tuesday, a homeowner in Los Angeles confronted…
VMI cadets fight back as Virginia Democrats threaten to close historic military college

Virginia’s Historic VMI Faces Closure: Cadets Rally Against Democratic Threats

Cadets at Virginia Military Institute have rallied to defend their esteemed military…
Viral ‘bananas and rice’ Somali woman arrested for allegedly participating in Minneapolis riot

Viral Sensation ‘Bananas and Rice’ Somali Woman Arrested for Alleged Role in Minneapolis Riot

A Somali American woman who gained online fame for her unique cultural…
NYPD investigating car driving into Chabad’s Brooklyn headquarters as hate crime

Brooklyn Tragedy: NYPD Probes Potential Hate Crime at Chabad Headquarters

In response to a disturbing incident at the Chabad World Headquarters in…
Rooster-fighting ring busted: Neighbor recalls the signs, crime expert weighs in

Illegal Rooster-Fighting Ring Uncovered: Neighbor’s Tip Leads to Bust, Crime Expert Analyzes Hidden Clues

In a significant breakthrough, Jacksonville police have dismantled a clandestine rooster-fighting ring,…
Clay Co. teacher sues Florida education commissioner over suspension tied to Charlie Kirk comments

Florida Teacher Takes Legal Action Against Education Commissioner Over Controversial Suspension Linked to Charlie Kirk Remarks

A Ridgeview Elementary School educator claims her remarks about Charlie Kirk fall…
DHS honors Illinois woman whose corpse was allegedly abused by illegal immigrant freed under sanctuary laws

DHS Recognizes Illinois Woman as Victim in Alleged Abuse Case Involving Immigrant Released Under Sanctuary Policies

EXCLUSIVE: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has unveiled a video tribute…