Simone Biles Rising: Where is Gabby Douglas now? Gymnast's current whereabouts explored

Netflix's Simone Biles Rising focuses on Simone Biles as she prepares for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. It sheds light on the tribulations of the gymnastics legend, including her position and stature in the extremely mentally and physically taxing sport.

Netflix’s Simone Biles Rising also positions Biles’s experiences alongside those of other black gymnasts such as Gabby Douglas, Okino, and Dominique Dawes, whose experiences widely differ from the experiences of gymnasts belonging to other racial groups.

Although the experiences of the gymnasts mentioned were lightly touched upon. Following the release of Simone Biles Rising, viewers developed an interest in their lives and careers, especially Gabby Douglas, a three-time Olympic gold medallist.

On May 29, 2024, Douglas announced that she would not participate in the 2024 U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth, Texas. Following her break for nearly eight years, this would have been one of Douglas’ big feats. However, she decided to take a step back from the Championships due to a foot injury.

Outside of work, Douglas seems to be a private person with very little of her life available on social media platforms. Recently on July 6, 2024, Gabby uploaded a photo of herself on Instagram seemingly enjoying her time off from work.

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Why did Gabby Douglas step down from the 2024 U.S. Gymnastics Championships?

After her initial announcement in May 2024, Gabby Douglas took to Instagram on June 2, to explain the reason behind writing herself off from the 2024 U.S. Gymnastics Championships. She revealed that due to a severe foot injury she incurred during her practice, she wasn't able to compete any further. She further wrote in the caption:

“Wow, what a journey. First off I just wanted to say that I am forever grateful for all of your support, grace, and love. it truly has touched my heart. I’m sad to say that due to a foot injury during practice, I will not be able to continue my 2024 journey."

She continued the message by saying:

"This may be the end of this chapter but not the end of my gymnastics story. Thank you all for being with me on this journey and lifting me up on my lowest days i love you all so much! Sending all the best to the girls tonight! always cheering USA on!”

Although she had to sit back from this year's championships, she shared that it's not the end of her gymnastics story. Alluding that she is currently working on her recovery and possibly preparing for the next events.

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Simone Biles Rising sheds light on Biles’ experience as a gymnast

Everyone was taken aback when Simone Biles announced that she was withdrawing from several events at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. Although Biles did not explicitly reveal the reason for the same, the media and the people in general severely scrutinized her for her decision.

Several news channels reported on the matter and portrayed the gymnastic legend as a quitter. It was later revealed that she was struggling with her mental health, and suffering from the 'Twisties.'

However, the comments and the experiences of the same still live on with Simone Biles, who in Simone Biles Rising mentions the emotional toll these comments took on her.

In Simone Biles Rising, she speaks about the shame she experienced after stepping down from the Olympics which led to her having multiple severe breakdowns. She also highlights how the break from her gymnastic career during that time was necessary to continue in the sport in the long run.

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Part 1 of Simone Biles Rising comprising 2 episodes is currently streaming on Netflix. Part 2 of the docuseries is expected to be released sometime this year.