A Decorated Gymnast With Numerous Firsts
Gabby Douglas is a trailblazer in the world of gymnastics. She is the first Black American gymnast to claim gold during an Olympic all-around.
Douglas achieved numerous firsts, including being the first gymnast from Team USA to clinch gold in both an individual all-around and team event. With three Olympic gold medals under her belt, she was named the 2012 Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year.
“To sum it up, Gabby Douglas is just that girl.” – DeAnna Taylor
Comeback Journey: Setting Sights on 2024 Paris Olympics
After an eight-year hiatus from professional competition, the Virginia native is gearing up for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. Douglas shares her motivation for making a comeback:
“I took a break from 2016 until 2022 and after watching a good friend competing, I just missed it. I had a rough go at the 2016 Olympics, but I never wanted to end my career on a bad note. I never wanted to hate something I love, so I knew I wanted to get back into it.”
Prioritizing Self-Care and Mental Health
The road to the Olympics is not easy. Douglas acknowledges the challenges, including long training days, reconditioning her body and mind, and healing from past traumas. However, she remains determined and focuses on self-care and mental health.
“For my mental health, I do a lot of stepping back, self-reflecting and journaling,” she explains.
Caring for Her Body Through Partnerships
Douglas has partnered with Dr. Scholl’s as their newest celebrity ambassador. Their ultra-hydrating foot cream and severe cracked heeled balm have been instrumental in her return to gymnastics, ensuring her feet are healthy and camera-ready.
“When it comes to gymnastics, we do a lot with our feet. I hate dealing with dry feet. But, because we train on such harsh materials, I have to make sure I take extra care of them—especially because they also end up on camera.”
Looking Forward to Sticking Her Signature Move
As Douglas prepares for her comeback, fans eagerly anticipate her famous standing full—a skill she deems her favorite. With her determination and self-care routine, the gymnastics world awaits her return to the pro stage.
