(Reuters) – Three-times Olympic gold medallist Gabby Douglas has returned to training with an eye on next year’s Games in Paris, the 27-year-old American said on Thursday.
Douglas, who has not competed since the 2016 Rio Games when she led the United States to a second consecutive Olympic team gold, said last year she was taking time off to focus on her mental health.
“For many years, I’ve had an ache in my heart but I didn’t want to keep carrying anger, pain, sadness or regret and through my tears and hurt, I’ve found peace,” Douglas wrote on her Instagram account.
“I know I have a huge task ahead of me and I am beyond grateful and excited to get back out on the floor… let’s do this #2024.”
The announcement by Douglas, who was the first Black woman to win an Olympic individual all-around gold, in 2012, comes two weeks after four-times gold medallist Simone Biles confirmed her return to competition after a two-year hiatus.
With Douglas and Biles back in action, along with Tokyo gold medallist Sunisa Lee who has recovered from a kidney issue, the Americans would have their last three Olympic all-around champions in the Paris 2024 squad.
Unlike Biles and Lee, Douglas will not compete in next month’s U.S. Classic.
(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; editing by Clare Fallon)
