Gabby Douglas to miss first meet in eight years after positive Covid test

Gabby Douglas' anticipated return to competition will have to be postponed. The 2012 Olympic gymnastics champion withdrew from this weekend's Winter Cup in Louisville, Kentucky, announcing on social media that she tested positive for Covid-19.

At 28 years old, Douglas had intended to participate in three of the four events at Winter Cup, marking her first competition since the 2016 Olympics, where she contributed to the American team's gold medal victory.

Expressing her disappointment on Instagram, Douglas stated she was "crushed" by the setback but assured her followers of her intention to return soon. The Winter Cup serves as a crucial preparatory event for American gymnasts vying for spots on this summer's Olympic team.

Despite Douglas' absence, reigning Olympic champion Suni Lee is slated to compete on the beam and uneven bars. Lee's participation marks her first competition since the 2023 US Championships, as the 20-year-old has grappled with health challenges that have hampered her training over the past year.

Among the other notable competitors in Louisville are former NCAA champion Trinity Thomas and two-time world championship gold medalist Skye Blakely.