Standing at just 5′ 3″, Gabby Douglas made a name for herself in gymnastics in her teen years. Virginia-born Gabby made her debut on the elite stage in 2008. Two years later, she began asking for top-notch coaching to improve her skills and compete internationally. But underneath the spotlight and shining accolades, the Douglas family has a story of sacrifice and resiliency. Before finalizing her divorce with Timothy Douglas, Natalie Hawkins, a single mother of four, fought the military for her children’s custody. Mama Douglas’ struggles paid off when she saw Gabby, then just 16 years old, win the 2011 team world championship.

“Grace, Gold and Glory: My Leap of Faith,” Gabby’s 2012 published memoir, detailed the challenges she overcame to achieve her Olympic goals. She echoed the same fearless resolve in 2016 when she returned to the Olympics. But what stood out in her story the most was the process before her debut in the Olympics, when her mother refused a long coaching trip! What did little Gabby do, lets find out?

Gabby Douglas: the underrated rebel

While many await the return of 28-year-old Gabby after eight years, few are aware of the struggles that pushed her to always strive for betterment. “I need better coaching if I’m going to make it to the Olympics,” Gabby told her mother, hoping to better her skills in 2010. But Mama Douglas, ever protective, balked at the thought and said, “Brie, have you lost your mind?” Douglas quips that –“my mother said, widening her pupils and raising her voice by an octave with each word.” “Chow lives in West Des Moines, Iowa. Have you looked at a map lately? Iowa is nowhere close to Virginia Beach! There’s no way I’m sending my baby across the country.” – retorted mama Douglas, visibly crestfallen and worried.

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Walker, Gabby’s previous coach, thought she could have made it to the Olympics even if she had stayed in Virginia Beach, but Douglas, who had a fierce passion for success, realized something had to change. This was more than just a change of location—it was a step toward realizing a dream that demanded sacrifice and commitment.

Gabby had to overcome several financial troubles in her early years: Her mother struggled to secure military scholarships and grants to pay for her training in the top gyms before the Olympics. She was awarded a $500 scholarship in 2006 to attend a renowned gymnastics camp in Texas. Before Gabby’s breakthrough, the family was in danger of losing their Virginia Beach house due to unpaid power bills. Despite these obstacles, Gabby overcame failures following her mother’s mantra for her to “inspire a generation.”

More challenges haunted young Gabby

Gabby Douglas faced some obstacles along the way to stardom. She had a setback in 2011 when she fell seven times at the live telecasted USA National Championships. Driven by her mother’s support, Gabby showed unmatched talent in the 2012 London Olympics, taking home the gold in the all-around competition and helping the team to triumph.

‘My Daughter Is Becoming Stagnant’: Gabby Douglas’ Mother Once Lashed Out at the Gymnast’s Then-Trainer to Spur Improvement

At the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro four years later, Gabby again proved incredibly resilient. Overcoming unjustified criticism on social media, she won her third gold medal in the team competition at the Olympics. Not just an inspiring gymnast, Gabby Douglas’s greatness in the face of adversity is definitely underappreciated.

Continue Reading Gabby Douglas Once Recalled Her Mother Shouting “Get Down From There!” As She Performed Tumbling at a Young Age