Gabby Douglas Ends 2024 Olympics Dream, Pulls Out of Championships [Video]

An ankle injury has ended Gabby Douglas’ 18-month-long quest to return to the Olympics — but the gymnast said she is not ruling out competing in the 2028 Games.

The three-time Olympic gold medalist told ESPN on Wednesday, May 29 that she has withdrawn from the U.S. Gymnastics Championships due to the injury, which she suffered earlier this week during training.

“I love this sport and I love pushing my limits,” Douglas, 28, told ESPN. “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.”

The event was the gymnast’s last chance to earn an invitation to compete at the U.S. Olympic Trials next month in Minneapolis, and comes after an eight-year hiatus from competition, following Douglas’ appearance at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

“I proved to myself and to the sport that my skills …