Gabby Douglas, the acclaimed Olympic gymnast and 2012 Olympic all-around gymnastics champion, is revered not just for her exceptional athleticism, but also for her unwavering determination. Yet, behind her remarkable successes lies a poignant tale of adversity and sacrifice, rooted in her mother’s perilous brush with death.

Gabby Douglas entered the world in December, a time typically associated with joy and festivities. However, for Gabby and her family, that month bears the weight of a traumatic ordeal. During Gabby’s birth, her mother confronted a life-threatening crisis. As Gabby says about her mother that she was,” bleeding to death” while delivering her.

Pregnancy woes of Douglas’ mom divulged

In her 2012 memoir, “Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith,” Gabby Douglas delves into the pivotal moment that laid the foundation for her remarkable journey. She recounts the chilling reality of her birth on December 31, 1995, a day marred by the brink of tragedy as her mother fought for survival in a hospital room in Newport News, Virginia. As she puts it, “MY MOTHER ALMOST DIED ON THE DAY SHE HAD ME.“

Gripping the arm rails of her bed, Gabby’s mother battled a severe haemorrhage that left medical professionals scrambling to save her life. Despite the uncertainty and fear, a series of medications ultimately halted the bleeding, allowing Gabby to be cradled in her mother’s arms just an hour later.

But the challenges did not end there for Gabby Douglas’s family. Financial strains loomed large as they navigated the aftermath of her mother’s health crisis. With four mouths to feed and limited income, her parents faced tough decisions. Gabby, the youngest of her siblings, entered a world where the necessity of sacrifice was all too apparent. Her mother, unable to continue her job as a bank teller, and her father, grappling with inconsistent work, made the bold choice to relocate the family to Oklahoma. But their struggle didn’t end there.

Maternal sacrifice and unwavering support galore

Natalie Hawkins courageously undertook the role of a single mother, raising four children while her husband, Timothy Douglas, served in the military. However, her maternal resolve faced its greatest trial when she confronted the difficult choice of permitting her daughter to embark on a separate path at the tender age of 14. Despite the desires of Gabby’s siblings to pursue other support themselves, they understood the significance of Gabby Douglas’s passion and urged their hesitant mother to support her dreams. Despite financial constraints and the heartache of separation, they believed in Gabby’s potential to overcome any obstacle.

Read More: ‘You Can’t Give Up Your Gift’: Gabby Douglas Once Revealed How Her Brother’s Encouragement Kept Her Dream Alive Before Stardom

The unwavering support of her mother, who remained a pillar of strength and encouragement throughout, proved instrumental in Gabby’s remarkable journey. Despite the challenges and setbacks, Natalie Hawkins stood by her daughter’s side, offering sage advice and a steadfast belief in her abilities, underscoring the power of maternal love and unwavering support in the pursuit of greatness.

Read More: What Has Gabby Douglas Been Up to Since the Rio Olympics in 2016?