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
Iran launches new attacks at Gulf Arab countries as it keeps up pressure on the region

Iran Escalates Tensions: New Wave of Attacks Target Gulf Arab Nations

Iran’s tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz has significantly disrupted tanker…
Trump will back taking out Khamenei's impotent son if he doesn't cooperate with US: report

Report: Trump Supports Removing Khamenei’s Son if He Fails to Cooperate with U.S.

According to a recent report, President Trump is prepared to endorse the…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

JSO Investigates: Shooting at Valencia Way Apartments Leaves One Injured, Recovering

Authorities in Jacksonville are on the hunt for a suspect following a…
Trump says voter ID laws will save GOP in midterms, slams Schumer for opposing

Trump Claims Voter ID Laws Key for GOP Success in Midterms, Criticizes Schumer’s Stance

On Monday, President Trump emphasized the importance of the SAVE America Act,…
Judge rules federal agents must limit tear gas at protests near Portland ICE building

Oregon Judge Restricts Use of Tear Gas by Federal Agents at Portland ICE Demonstrations

A federal judge in Oregon has imposed new restrictions on the deployment…
Iran’s new supreme leader is ‘his father on steroids,’ experts warn of hardline rule

Experts Predict Tougher Regime as Iran’s New Supreme Leader Steps In

“Imagine Mojtaba Khamenei as an intensified version of his father.” This is…
NYers bask in warm spell -- but here's what's next

New Yorkers Enjoy Unseasonable Warmth: What to Expect as Weather Shifts

Residents of New York City are enjoying an unexpected warm period that…
Iran confirms Russia's helping 'in many different directions' in its war with US-Israel: 'It's not a secret'

Iran Acknowledges Russian Support in Multi-Faceted Conflict with US-Israel: Official Statement Reveals

Iran has acknowledged receiving substantial support from Russia across various fronts in…
From viral fundraisers to a kidney 'funeral,' Demi Weitz channels her journey into a new music‑tech mission

Demi Weitz Transforms Personal Journey into Innovative Music-Tech Venture, Inspired by Viral Fundraisers and Unique Life Experiences

Six years ago, life as we knew it came to a halt.…
Mamdani refuses to condemn alleged ISIS-loving bomb tossers

Mamdani Remains Silent on Controversial Allegations Involving ISIS Supporters

On Monday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani chose not to explicitly denounce two individuals…
Trump says he and Israel's Netanyahu will make 'mutual' decision on ending Iran war

Trump and Netanyahu to Collaborate on Strategic Plan for Resolving Iran Conflict

On Monday, President Trump announced plans to discuss with Israeli Prime Minister…
Savannah Guthrie spotted in NYC as search for missing mother enters sixth week with few answers

Exclusive: Savannah Guthrie’s NYC Sighting Amidst Intensifying Search for Missing Mother

TUCSON, Ariz. — Savannah Guthrie, co-host of the “Today” show, has returned…