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Gabby Douglas just made a post on Instagram hinting at a return to gymnastics ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics... and fans are absolutely elated.
The 27-year-old Olympic gold medalist shared a photo of some stunning beam work with the accompanying caption:
"Hey guys long time no post."
"As you all know I stepped back from the socials and in that time I did a lot of journaling, reflecting, soul searching and found myself back where it all began."
Douglas took a break from social media last year to “work on myself and focus on my mental health."
She continued:
"It's so easy to suppress and run away from facing darkness and fears."
"For so 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."
"I wanted to find the joy again for the sport that I absolutely love doing."
She finished her post sharing her gratitude and also a telling hashtag - #2024:
"I know I have 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 your support and love."
"It truly means so much 🖤."
"There's so much to be said but for now... 💪 😎let’s do this #2024"
You can view the full post below.
Needless to say, the internet erupted with excitement.
Douglas' former Olympic teammates shared their encouragement.
@gabbycvdouglas/Instagram
@gabbycvdouglas/Instagram
And the rest of her friends and fans followed suit, expressing their enthusiasm over the announcement.
@gabbycvdouglas/Instagram
@gabbycvdouglas/Instagram
@gabbycvdouglas/Instagram
@gabbycvdouglas/Instagram
@gabbycvdouglas/Instagram
@gabbycvdouglas/Instagram
@gabbycvdouglas/Instagram
@gabbycvdouglas/Instagram
@gabbycvdouglas/Instagram
@gabbycvdouglas/Instagram
Douglas—who has been vocal about the toll the 2016 Olympics took on her mentally—also expressed in her post last year that a break from social media would greatly benefit her mental health.
She wrote:
"My life has never been smooth or easy. I have carried a heavy weight on my back for quite some time and it has weighed me down, physically, mentally, and emotionally."
"So many things and people have tried to crush and break me."
"I refuse to be defeated by this weight, I refuse to be hardened by this weight."
“I want to feel light and happy again. I want to be the best representation for all of you and be the best version of myself.”
In the caption she added:
"Sometimes we fall, we break, we fail but then we heal, we rise, we overcome."
Welcome back, Gabby.
We're all rooting for you.