Why did Gabby Douglas end her Paris Olympics dream? Everything about the gymnast's withdrawal from the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships

Gabby Douglas' dream of making it to the Paris Olympics came to an end after an ankle injury forced the gymnast to withdraw from the Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships. These nationals offered a chance for competitors to qualify for the U.S Olympic Trials, and a withdrawal from the event means that Douglas won't be able to participate in the Trials in June.

Douglas originally rose to fame as the first African-American woman to be crowned an Olympic all-around champion. The London Games also saw the gymnast win team gold alongside the ‘Fierce Five.’

Four years later, the gymnast was in the spotlight once again as she helped Team USA defend their title at the Rio Olympics. However, Douglas stopped competing after the 2016 Games, without officially announcing her retirement.

Eight long years after her competitive hiatus, Gabby Douglas returned to gymnastics, with a renewed intention of making it to the Paris Olympics, writing on Instagram,

"I wanted to find joy again for the sport that I absolutely love doing. I know a huge task ahead of me and I am beyond grateful and excited to get back out on the floor. and even more grateful for all of your support and love. it truly means so much there's so much to be said but for now.... let's do this #2024"

The American was initially slated to begin her comeback at the 2024 Winter Cup in February but was forced to withdraw from the competition after contracting Covid 19. Fans finally got to see Douglass in action at the American Classic in April, where she showed glimpses of her former self while competing in an overall lukewarm performance.

Douglass was next scheduled to compete at the U.S Core Hydration Classic. In Hartford, the gymnast pulled out of the competition after struggling in bars in her opening rotation.

Now, Gabby Douglas has withdrawn from the Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships due to an ankle injury she suffered in practice, ending her journey of competing at the Paris Games.

Gabby Douglas shifts focus to 2028 Olympics

While Gabby Douglas’ dreams of making it to her third Games at the Paris Olympics might have come to an end, the American isn't calling time on her gymnastics career just yet.

With Paris out of the question, Douglass now intends to compete at the LA 2028 Games. Speaking to ESPN, the gymnast says she is now focused on representing Team USA on home ground.

"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 went on to add that both fans and her fellow competitors can find inspiration in her journey as she works to make it to the 2028 Olympics.

"I love this sport and I love pushing my limits. 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.”

If she does make the team for the LA 2028, Gabby Douglas would become the oldest American woman to compete in gymnastics at the Olympics since 1952.