Gabby Douglas is an American gymnast and Olympic gold medalist who captured the world’s attention in the 2012 London Summer Olympics. Born on December 31, 1995, in Newport News, Virginia, Gabby showed an early interest in gymnastics, beginning her training at the age of six. Recognizing her immense potential, her family made significant sacrifices to support her career, including sending her to train under prominent coach Liang Chow in West Des Moines, Iowa, when she was 14. This move marked the beginning of her journey to becoming a world-class gymnast.
Douglas rose to international fame during the 2012 London Olympics as a member of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team, famously known as the "Fierce Five." She made history by becoming the first African American gymnast to win the Olympic all-around gold medal and the first American to win both the team and individual all-around gold medals in the same Olympics. Her groundbreaking achievements earned her widespread recognition, including being named the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year in 2012.
Following her Olympic triumph, Gabby Douglas continued to inspire through her advocacy for diversity and perseverance in sports. She competed again in the 2016 Rio Olympics as part of the "Final Five," helping the U.S. team secure another gold medal. Beyond gymnastics, she has authored books, starred in a reality TV series, and lent her voice to causes promoting self-confidence and equal opportunities for young athletes.
