Gabrielle “Gabby” Douglas is sick and tired of being compared to Simone Biles.
On July 31, the Olympic gold medalist hopped into the comments section of a user named @legacy.jai on TikTok after the netizen claimed people had forgotten about her decorated career in gymnastics.
“I still never forget how y’all fumbled Gabby Douglas,” Jai told fans in her short video, which has garnered over 200,000 likes. “Y’all dropped her like a bad habit when Simone Biles came on the scene.“
Jai highlighted that Douglass was once hailed as the “greatest Olympic gymnast” before she took an eight-year break from the sport. The world-renowned athlete played a crucial role in helping the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team secure gold alongside Biles at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
In 2012, at the London Olympic games, the Virginia native made history by becoming the first Black gymnast to win an Olympic title while cementing her name in history books as the first American to claim both all-around and team gold medals at the same event. However, Jai suggested that fans may have lost sight of Douglas’ feats over the years.
“Then here comes Simone Biles…Nobody cares about Gabby Douglas anymore,” the TikTok star stated, before adding, “When’s the last time we thought about Gabby Douglas? I think about her all the time.”
The USA Olympics team of Simone Biles, Gabrielle Douglas, Madison Kocian, Lauren Hernandez, and Alexandra Raisman at the Rio Olympic Arena on August 7, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Source: Tim Clayton – Corbis / Getty
Fans in the comments section shared their reactions noting how they missed and loved seeing Gabby defy gravity with her incredible moves.
“Gabby Douglas had 3rd grade me CONVINCED I was going to the Olympics when I was in gymnastics,” wrote one user.
Another fan commented, “I love Gabby Douglas but she took that time off and they replaced her.”
A third user penned, “I think about her all the time. She was incredible!”
Douglas then weighed in on the video, expressing her gratitude to Jai for sharing it. The 28-year-old superstar acknowledged the support, mentioning how she had frequently faced “bullying” due to comparisons with Biles.
“That’s ok! Constantly being bullied is very tiring and wearing on me. I just want to live my life and be at peace. Thanks for the love! Definitely needed in this world x.”
A few netizens stepped in to shower Douglas with love including a TikTok user named @sheak47 who wrote, “I never forgot you EVER! I almost started gymnastics at 22 when you were in competition. You’re incredible.”
Gabby Douglas (L) and Simone Biles attend the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards 2017 at Pauley Pavilion on July 13, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. Source: Charley Gallay/KCASports2017 / Getty
After her standout performance in Rio, Douglas took a hiatus that closely resembled retirement.
“It ended rough for me in 2016 so I didn’t want to end on that note,” Douglas said at the time, according to the Associated Press. “Regardless of the outcome, I wanted to make sure, like, I end on love and joy instead of hating something that I loved.”
Fans were eagerly anticipating Douglas’ return for the Paris Olympics this year, but an unforeseen ankle injury during practice prevented the three-time Olympic gold medalist from competing. On May 29, she announced she would be missing the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, an event that would have secured her spot in Paris.
“Wow, what a journey. First off, I just wanted to say that I am forever grateful for all of your support, grace, and love. It truly has touched my heart,” Douglas told fans on Instagram in June. “I’m sad to say that due to a foot injury during practice, I will not be able to continue my 2024 journey. This may be the end of this chapter but not the end of my gymnastics story.” She added, “Thank you all for being with me on this journey and lifting me up on my lowest days, I love you all so much!”
All hope isn’t lost for the Olympic champion. During a late May interview with ESPN in the U.S. Classic in Hartford, Connecticut, the star revealed that she is committed to training diligently for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where she will compete at the age of 32.
“I proved to myself and to the sport that my skills remain at an elite level. My plan is to continue to train for the L.A. 2028 Olympics. It would be such an honor to represent the U.S. at a home Olympics,” she added.
We love you Gabby!
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