Gabby Douglas Begins Bid for Third Olympic Gymnastics Team at American Classic

Gabby Douglas, the 2012 Olympic all-around champion, made her highly anticipated return to competitive gymnastics on Saturday at the American Classic, marking her first competition since the 2016 Olympics. The 28-year-old gymnast is aiming to secure a spot on her third Olympic team, with hopes of representing the United States at the 2024 Olympics.

Despite some struggles during the meet, Douglas showed flashes of her former brilliance, particularly on vault where she executed a double twisting Yurchenko to earn the second-highest score in the event. She also impressed on the balance beam, tying for fifth place.

However, Douglas faced challenges on the floor exercise, where she had a stumble after her first tumbling pass and a significant hop out of bounds. Additionally, she had some difficulties on the uneven bars, coming off the apparatus twice.

While Douglas may have some work to do to reach peak form, her determination and passion for the sport are evident. She has been training at the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy in Texas and has been vocal about her desire to compete at the highest level once again.

With the Olympic team set to be named after June’s trials, Douglas will have more opportunities to showcase her skills and make her case for a spot on the team. The road to the Olympics is long and challenging, but Douglas is no stranger to overcoming obstacles and rising to the occasion.

As the gymnastics season continues, fans will be eagerly watching to see how Douglas progresses and whether she can achieve her dream of representing the USA on the Olympic stage once more. The Core Hydration Classic, Xfinity U.S. Championships, and Olympic Trials are all upcoming events where Douglas will have the chance to shine and prove that she still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.