What Year Is It? Gabby Douglas Withdraws From Gymnastics Tournament Because She Has COVID

Former Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas was planning on making a return to the sport after an eight-year absence. Her first step in the return involved an appearance at the Winter Cup in Louisville, KY this weekend, where she would compete in beam, floor, and vault events.

It was all going according to plan. That is, until she got COVID. 

The gymnastic legend posted on Instagram that she contracted the coronavirus, and as a result will not attend the event.

2020 called, they want their catchphrase back.

It’s unclear whether or not the Winter Cup has COVID protocols that prevent competitors from participating if they have the virus. Likewise, it’s also unclear if Douglas took herself out of the running on her own volition after getting her test results. We looked for a way to contact event organizers, but could not find one.

But that doesn’t really matter. We are four years removed from the time when it would be acceptable to not do something because of COVID. Since then, we’ve amassed enough research to conclude that the coronavirus is little more than a glorified flu. 

By now, we should all know that a 28-year-old athlete in excellent physical condition like Douglas is at minimal risk of getting seriously affected by COVID (which also goes for the other athletes at the competition).

Furthermore, most athletes wouldn’t withdraw from the event if they had the flu, even though that’s been proven to be more deadly than COVID. It’s a sad reminder that even after several years, we’re still letting the fear of a mild virus affect our sporting events.

Looks like Douglas will have to wait a little longer to begin her comeback.