In 2012, Virginia native Gabby Douglas made history by becoming the first African-American to win the Olympic all-around title at the London Olympics. This groundbreaking moment inspired generations of gymnasts, including the legendary Simone Biles, who once shared, “Growing up, I didn’t see very many Black gymnasts… So whenever I did, I felt really inspired to go out there and want to be as good as them. I remember watching Gabby Douglas win the 2012 Olympics, and I was like, If she can do it, I can do it.”

Fast forward to 2024, and Gabby is fighting for her spot on her third Olympic cycle. Her three Olympic gold medals stand as proof of her extraordinary gymnastics talent. However, what many might not realize is that criticism and racism nearly marred her successful career during its budding stages.

Gabby Douglas nearly quit gymnastics, but her mother’s decision saved her career

According to Stars Unfolded, at just 16 years old, Gabby Douglas found herself on the brink of quitting gymnastics because of the toxic atmosphere at her Virginia gym. Recounting her ordeal on “Oprah’s Next Chapter,” Gabby revealed the torment she endured, saying, “I was just, you know, kind of getting racist jokes, kind of being isolated from the group.” She even recalled how tough the situation was and said, “I would come home at night and just cry my eyes out.”The tipping point came when she was subjected to a particularly egregious incident of racism. She shared how a teammate had asked her if she could scrape the bar.

Gabby remembered. “And they were like, ‘Why doesn’t Gabby do it, she’s our slave?’” Being the only African-American at the gym, Gabby felt deeply isolated and questioned, “Why am I deserving this? Is it because I’m black?” Her mother, Natalie Hawkins, vividly recalled Gabby’s distress on the show as well. “She said, ‘I’d rather quit — if I can’t move and train and get another coach, I’d rather quit the sport,’” said her mother. Determined to support her daughter, Hawkins allowed Gabby to move to Iowa to train with a new coach. And from there, Gabby Douglas made Olympic history. Yet, even on the Olympic stage, the criticism didn’t end.

The Olympic-level bullying she endured

During the 2016 Rio Olympics, Gabby Douglas found herself under intense scrutiny. Twitter trolls viciously attacked the incredible gymnast, labeling her “unpatriotic” because she didn’t place her hand over her heart during the national anthem on the podium after the team won gold. Furthermore, a video circulated on the internet after the all-around finals showed Douglas in the stands while her teammates, Simone Biles and Aly Raisman, won gold and silver. While everyone cheered them on, Gabby remained seated with a smile on her face.

When the camera panned towards her, her demeanor was criticized for not showing enough enthusiasm for her teammates. In a strong defense of her daughter, Natalie Hawkins told Reuters, “Gabrielle’s had her heart broken, but she’s determined she will go out and she knows she still has a job to do for Team USA. It’s a huge honor for me to be her mother as she’s the bravest person I know.” After the Rio Olympics, Gabby herself opened up to the Washington Post, tearfully sharing, “When they talk about my hair or me not putting my hand up on my heart or me being very salty in the stands, they’re really criticizing me, and it doesn’t really feel good. It was a little bit hurtful.”

Despite the intense scrutiny she faced at the time, Gabby even apologized for any misunderstandings. In an interview after the finals for the uneven bars, Gabby shared, “I apologize if [I seemed] really mad in the stands, I wasn’t. I was supporting Aly [Raisman] and the rest of Team USA. And I always will support and respect them in everything they do. I never want anyone to take it as I was jealous or seeking attention. Never. I support them, and I’m sorry that I wasn’t showing it.”

This heartbreaking incident underscores the scrutiny Gabby faced, despite her status. Now, in 2024, eight years later, Gabby will return for her third Olympic cycle. Last year, with the historic black girl podium at the 2023 World Championships, there’s been a positive shift toward inclusivity. Gabby’s return, alongside other talented women of color, marks a proud moment for diversity in gymnastics. What are your thoughts about the journey of Gabby Douglas? Comment below!