What was Gabby Douglas life like?

Gabby Douglas grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she practiced gymnastics from age six. In 2010—at age 14—she left her family and moved in with a host family in West Des Moines, Iowa, where she started training with prominent coach Liang Chow.

What is Gabby Douglas life lesson?

When asked about the “life lessons” she’s absorbed, she said, “Just to keep fighting. Be slow to speak. Just to really shine bright in everything you do.” Douglas seemed to be working to keep to the “slow-to-speak” motto, as several of her answers came after pauses in which she smiled and thought to herself.

Did Gabby Douglas have a rough childhood?

But the gymnast’s journey to the top of podium in London this past summer wasn’t an easy one. As the 16-year-old Douglas recalled in her new book, “Grace, Gold & Glory,” she started out life homeless, her family living in the back of a van for nearly a year after she was born.

What are some fun facts about Gabby Douglas?

Gabby was the first African-American woman in Olympic history to win a gold medal as the individual all-around champion. And that’s not all! She was also the first American gymnast to win a gold medal in both the individual all-around and team competitions during the same Olympic game. And she did it all at only 16.

Who was the first black gymnast?

Dominique’s start in gymnastics began at the age of six. Her first and only coach, Kelli Hill, quickly realized her potential. She burst into the international spotlight in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. She was the first African American gymnast to ever qualify and compete in an Olympic Games.

What did Gabby Douglas accomplish?

Gabby Douglas, is an American gymnast who became the first African American in Olympic history to win the individual all-around event at the 2012 Summer Games. Douglas, standing at 5′ 2″, also won team gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.

Why is Gabby Douglas so inspirational?

Gabby Douglas’ victory at the Olympics is inspiring on it’s own and makes her a hero. However, her journey to get there and what she overcame is what makes her a hero and a true inspiration to me. No matter what got in her way, Gabby never gave up on her dream. She made her dream into her goal and never looked back.

How long did Gabby Douglas do gymnastics?

Gabby Douglas
Level Senior international elite
Years on national team 2008–2012, 2014–2016 (US)
Gym Buckeye Gymnastics
Head coach(es) Christian Gallardo