Gabrielle (Gabby) Douglas won the hearts of millions of Americans when she took home the 2012 Olympic gold medal in both the individual all-around and team competitions. At only 17 years old, she made Olympic history by becoming the first woman of color of any nationality and the first African-American Olympic gymnast to become the Individual All-Around Champion. She also made American Olympic history by becoming the first gymnast to earn gold medals in both the individual all-around and team competitions at the same Olympic Games. The Associated Press named her “Female
Athlete of the Year” in December 2012, and it is no question that she was one of the most talked about female athletes this past year. Though her accomplishments are wide-spread and have set the precedence for an amazing career in gymnastics,
it is not just Gabby’s talent that inspires children and adults alike; it is also her personality, positive attitude and perseverance. Her story and journey to the Olympics reminds us that it is possible to
actively pursue our dreams.
Gabby was only 14 years old when she made the decision to move to Iowa to train under Liang Chow, the former coach of 2008 Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson. The move was difficult
for her and her family, but in multiple interviews she states that it was the only way that she could receive the type of training that she needed to become an Olympian. A cross-country move
is no small feat for a 14 year old; especially for one that is leaving her family to stay with a host family in order to pursue her dream of an Olympic gold medal. It was this first leap
of faith that put Gabby on the path to her many future accomplishments, which eventually led to her historical win at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Since the 2012 Summer Olympics, Gabby has become a positive icon for young girls and adults and is now sponsored by major corporations, such as P&G and Kellogg’s. Beyond her
positive personality and presence is her strength to speak on issues that plagued her as she was growing up, specifically ones that almost kept her from pursuing her dreams. Racial comments and bullying were not uncommon for Gabby growing up, and using her fame as a platform to speak out against these issues is both relevant and inspiring to children and adolescents who struggle with similar issues. In December she released her autobiography Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith, which recounts her journey in gymnastics, the difficulties she faced along the way, and the perseverance that kept her going as she worked to achieve her ultimate dream of becoming an Olympian. Gabby is an inspiration to those who wish to pursue their dreams and she is a testimony to the pay-off that comes along with hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude. She is a confident and positive young adult who now serves as an excellent role model for America’s youth—and the youth throughout the world.
Information source: Gabrielle Douglas personal website. Retrieved from http://gabrielledouglas.com/index.php
<http://gabrielledouglas.com/video.php>
Athlete of the Year” in December 2012, and it is no question that she was one of the most talked about female athletes this past year. Though her accomplishments are wide-spread and have set the precedence for an amazing career in gymnastics,
it is not just Gabby’s talent that inspires children and adults alike; it is also her personality, positive attitude and perseverance. Her story and journey to the Olympics reminds us that it is possible to
actively pursue our dreams.
Gabby was only 14 years old when she made the decision to move to Iowa to train under Liang Chow, the former coach of 2008 Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson. The move was difficult
for her and her family, but in multiple interviews she states that it was the only way that she could receive the type of training that she needed to become an Olympian. A cross-country move
is no small feat for a 14 year old; especially for one that is leaving her family to stay with a host family in order to pursue her dream of an Olympic gold medal. It was this first leap
of faith that put Gabby on the path to her many future accomplishments, which eventually led to her historical win at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Since the 2012 Summer Olympics, Gabby has become a positive icon for young girls and adults and is now sponsored by major corporations, such as P&G and Kellogg’s. Beyond her
positive personality and presence is her strength to speak on issues that plagued her as she was growing up, specifically ones that almost kept her from pursuing her dreams. Racial comments and bullying were not uncommon for Gabby growing up, and using her fame as a platform to speak out against these issues is both relevant and inspiring to children and adolescents who struggle with similar issues. In December she released her autobiography Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith, which recounts her journey in gymnastics, the difficulties she faced along the way, and the perseverance that kept her going as she worked to achieve her ultimate dream of becoming an Olympian. Gabby is an inspiration to those who wish to pursue their dreams and she is a testimony to the pay-off that comes along with hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude. She is a confident and positive young adult who now serves as an excellent role model for America’s youth—and the youth throughout the world.
Information source: Gabrielle Douglas personal website. Retrieved from http://gabrielledouglas.com/index.php
<http://gabrielledouglas.com/video.php>
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