Gabby Douglas out of Paris Olympics hunt after gymnast withdraws from U.S. Gymnastics Championships 2024

Gabby Douglas has withdrawn from the U.S. Gymnastics Championships citing an ankle injury she suffered during training last week. The all-around Olympic champion, who made a return last month at the American Classic after an eight-year hiatus, will not be able to compete at the Paris Olympics as well.

After a dismal performance at the Rio Olympics 2016, Douglas didn't feature in any of the competitive gymnastics meet until 2024. She announced her ambitions to compete for a spot at the Paris Olympics last year and made the long-awaited return last month at American Classic.

While she wasn't at her best, Douglas finished 10th on the all-around. She was stunning on vault, earning a silver medal with a beautiful routine. The 28-year-old was registered for last week's U.S. Classic as well but withdrew mid-week.

While she didn't suffer any injury in Hartford, the Olympic champion fell to an ankle injury while training for the U.S Championships. The unfortunate event resulted in the Olympic champion withdrawing from the national championships, also ending her dreams of competing at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Speaking with ESPN in an interview, Gabby Douglas that she loved the sport and hopes she is able to inspire gymnasts around the world that age is just a number.

"I love this sport and I love pushing my limits," Douglas expressed. "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."

Douglas also stated her ambitions to compete at the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.

"I proved to myself and to the sport that my skills remain at an elite level. 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", Douglas added.

Watching the 2022 U.S. Championships made Gabby Douglas want to make a competitive return

2024 Core Hydration Classic

Speaking with NBC earlier this year, Gabby Douglas weighed on her return to gymnastics after an eight-year-long absence from the sport. She claimed that watching the 2022 U.S. Gymnastics Championships, which Simone Biles won, made her miss the competition.

"I was watching the 2022 [U.S.] championships, and I was like, 'Man, I miss competing.' And, I was trying to figure out how to get like, this... I'm still a competitor at heart.... I can get this out of me, and so I decided to start back training. I can't believe I'm in this sport again", Douglas revealed.

When the U.S. Championships finally arrived, Gabby Douglas suffered an unfortunate ankle injury. Nonetheless, the 28-year-old isn't giving up and has her eyes set on home Olympic Games in 2028.