The three-time gold medalist incurred the injury during preparations for the US championships this weekend in Fort Worth, Texas. Although the extent of the injury remains undisclosed, Douglas is expected to skip the US championships, which are a compulsory event leading towards Olympic team selection.

Not participating in this weekend's event will disqualify her from contention for a place in the Olympic team, which would have marked her first appearance since the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Simone Biles and Shilese Jones are presently leading contenders for securing spots on the roster. Other veteran gymnasts like Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey are also in the running for Olympic berths.

Had she competed in Paris, the 28-year-old would have become the oldest American woman to participate in Olympic gymnastics since the 1950s. Despite this, Douglas expressed her readiness to commence her rehabilitation and prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles games, where she will be 32 years old.

"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 LA 2028 Olympics. It would be such an honor to represent the US at a home Olympics," Douglas said, who became the first African-American Olympic individual all-around champion in 2012.

Additionally, she won team golds in London and Rio. She also has two golds in the World Championships, Pacific Rim Championships, and Pan American Championships over her storied career.

"I love this sport and I love pushing my limits," she 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.