Gabby Douglas Gymnastics Comeback Continues, Qualifies For U.S. Championships

Douglas' stellar performance on the vault signifies a strong chance of her making the Paris team.

Gymnast Gabby Douglas has returned to the mat in a big way. The multi-gold medalist is heading to the U.S. Championships in her quest to earn a spot on the 2024 Olympic team.

NBC News reports Douglas qualified for Nationals after competing at the American Classic in Katy, Texas, on April 27. She finished 10th all-around with a score of 50.65. but her performances on the vault and balance beam qualified her for the championships.

While the 28-year-old did not place high enough to automatically qualify for the all-arounds, she can fight for another chance at the upcoming U.S. Classic in Hartford, Connecticut, according to ESPN. In the meantime, Douglas can also file a petition to join in all the events for the May 30 Fort Worth, Texas, competition.

Douglas led the 2016 U.S. Gymnastics team to first place during the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janiero. She decided to sit out from the Tokyo games, which many considered a signal that she had retired. However, Douglas shocked gymnast enthusiasts with the news of her official return to the sport this year.

All eyes were on Douglas as she proved she still had what it takes to bring home gold. Douglas had not competed in eight years, which was evident by her rocky appearance at the Katy competition. She was also the oldest competitor at the event, yet she still assured fans of her capabilities. Douglas’ high vault score of 14.000 could lead to a history-making appointment to this year’s Olympic roster.

If Douglas makes the landing, she will become the second U.S. woman since Dominique Dawes to compete on three Olympic teams. If she makes to Paris this summer, Douglas will share ths feat with fellow gymnastics champion, the one-and-only Simone Biles.