WATCH: Gabby Douglass performs first routine on comeback at American Classic 2024

Gabby Douglas, who is making a return to competitive gymnastics after an eight-year hiatus, has finally performed her first routine at the 2024 American Classic.

Rumors around Douglas’ return to competitive gymnastics started circulating in late 2022 before she was eventually pictured training with WOGA athletes a year later. The 2012 all-around Olympic champion was then all set to compete at the Winter Cup 2024. However, she was forced out of the competition minutes before after testing positive for COVID-19.

Douglas was hoping to get a call for the April national camp later but was snubbed from the 32-member list, which would have allowed her to qualify for the U.S. Championships.

Nevertheless, she filled out the petition to participate in the American Classic 2024, and it was accepted. Gabby Douglas has now featured in the competition and performed her first competitive routine in eight years. A user uploaded the clip of her floor routine on X (formerly Twitter), and wrote:

"GABBY DOUGLAS - Floor Exercise | American Classic 2024 - 11.450 (3.6, 7.85)"

They later clarified the score composition in the comment section, writing:

"lol I lied it’s actually 5.0+6.850."

Douglas performed a floor routine on her comeback and scored 11.450. While it's comparatively less than her standards, the 28-year-old will finally be relieved. Later, she was featured on the bars as well as on the vault, which saw the most impressive display of her artistic gymnastic skills, earning a score of 14.00

Gabby Douglas on why she decided to make a comeback

Gymnastics - Artistic - Olympics: Day 4

The 2016 Rio Olympics was the last time Gabby Douglas competed. While she didn't make an official retirement announcement, the Olympic gold medalist didn't feature in any meets and completely went off the radar.

She recently spoke in an interview with EBONY, a monthly magazine dedicated to the African-American community, and weighed in on the reasons why she decided to come back. Douglas claimed that she missed the sport after watching a friend compete in 2022.

"I took a break from 2016 until 2022 and after watching a good friend competing, I just missed it. I had a rough go at the 2016 Olympics, but I never wanted to end my career on a bad note”, she expressed.

The 28-year-old further acknowledged her love for the sport, which is one of the major reasons behind her comeback.

“I never wanted to hate something I love, so I knew I wanted to get back into it", Gabby Douglas claimed.