Gabby Douglas became the first African-American gymnast in Olympic history to win gold in the individual all-around event. She is also the first black woman to win the event.
Golden Gabby —
Gabby Douglas became the first African-American gymnast in Olympic history to win gold in the individual all-around event. She is also the first black woman to win the event.
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Her mother Natalie Hawkins was left crying tears of joy after watching the teen win two gold medals at the London 2012 Olympics. Hawkins is pictured with Missy Parton (left) -- the mother of Gabby's host family while training in Iowa.
Mother's intuition —
Her mother Natalie Hawkins was left crying tears of joy after watching the teen win two gold medals at the London 2012 Olympics. Hawkins is pictured with Missy Parton (left) -- the mother of Gabby's host family while training in Iowa.
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Douglas and Hawkins have appeared at awards evenings together following last year's Olympic success. The 17-year-old has won a whole raft of endorsements since her victory and is often found on the front of magazines, advertising products or in the company of celebrities.
Speaking up —
Douglas and Hawkins have appeared at awards evenings together following last year's Olympic success. The 17-year-old has won a whole raft of endorsements since her victory and is often found on the front of magazines, advertising products or in the company of celebrities.
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Douglas, nicknamed "the Flying Squirrel," produced an astonishing showing at London 2012 with a performance that belied her years. From starting off with a few tricks in the family home, she progressed to become one of her country's top gymnasts.
Flying Squirrel —
Douglas, nicknamed "the Flying Squirrel," produced an astonishing showing at London 2012 with a performance that belied her years. From starting off with a few tricks in the family home, she progressed to become one of her country's top gymnasts.
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Douglas was part ot the U.S. team which won gold at the London Games. It was the first time the country had won the event since 1996.
Reaching for gold —
Douglas was part ot the U.S. team which won gold at the London Games. It was the first time the country had won the event since 1996.
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Douglas met U.S. President Barack Obama at The White House just a few months after her stunning performances in London.
White House wonder —
Douglas met U.S. President Barack Obama at The White House just a few months after her stunning performances in London.
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Douglas has been offered all sorts of incentives and commercial deals since her Olympic success -- appearing in fashion shows, making cameo roles on television and working on promotions.
Model behavior —
Douglas has been offered all sorts of incentives and commercial deals since her Olympic success -- appearing in fashion shows, making cameo roles on television and working on promotions.
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Douglas hopes her success in gymnastics will inspire thousands of youngsters to chase their dreams. She has spoken of her determination to become a role model for the next generation, just as 1996 Atlanta hero Dominique Dawes was for her.
Role model —
Douglas hopes her success in gymnastics will inspire thousands of youngsters to chase their dreams. She has spoken of her determination to become a role model for the next generation, just as 1996 Atlanta hero Dominique Dawes was for her.
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