Gabby Douglas Credits Prayer and Perseverance for Inspiring Career, Comeback
By Movieguide® Contributor
Gabby Douglas, a name synonymous with grace, strength and tenacity, has left an indelible mark on the world of gymnastics and beyond. Her faith and remarkable journey, from a young girl with dreams to an Olympic champion, has inspired and exemplified the power of determination and hard work.
Douglas’ journey to gymnastics prowess began in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she was born on December 31, 1995. From a young age, her natural athleticism and boundless energy caught her family’s attention. Encouraged by her mother’s unwavering support and sacrifices, Douglas started gymnastics at 6.
Douglas’ decision to move to Iowa at 14 to train with renowned coach Liang Chow demonstrated her commitment to her sport and determination to push herself beyond her limits.
Under Chow’s guidance, Douglas’ skills flourished, and she quickly climbed the ranks of competitive gymnastics. Her breakthrough moment came at the 2012 Olympics in London, where she captivated the world.
At the London Olympics, Douglas became the first African American woman to win the all-around gymnastics gold medal. But despite her success, she credits her faith for everything she’s accomplished.
“Faith plays a very big role in my life. I don’t know where I would be without it today. I’ve always been praying for everything. And my mom always exposed me and my siblings to being a Christian and the Bible,” Douglas stated in a 2012 interview with Religion News Services.
Despite her love for gymnastics, Douglas wanted to quit just months before her 2012 Olympics debut.
“My mom, my coach, my sister, my host family — everyone told me to keep fighting, that the Olympics were right around the corner,” Douglas told Christianity Today in 2012. “And my brother John. He and I are so close in age, we are like two peas in a pod. He kept telling me to keep fighting and pushing along. A couple days later, I went back to the gym and was on fire. I was just determined to get back and give 100 percent.”
She would go on to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics, becoming “the first reigning all-around Olympic champion to return to compete in a second Olympic Games” since 1980, Biography.com reported.
Douglas took a break from gymnastics after she was abused by USA gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, but she is back in the gym and recently shared a photo on Instagram.
The gymnast wrote, “As you all know I stepped back from the socials and in that time I did a lot of journaling, reflecting, soul searching, and found myself back where it all began. It’s so easy to suppress and run away from facing darkness and fears.”
“For many years, I’ve had an ache in my heart, but I didn’t want to keep carrying anger, pain, sadness, or regret and through my tears and hurt, I’ve found peace. I wanted to find the joy again for the sport that I absolutely love doing,” she continued.
“I know I have a huge task ahead of me and I am beyond grateful and excited to get back out on the floor. And even more grateful for all of your support and love. It truly means so much. There’s so much to be said but for now…let’s do this #2024,” she concluded.
Douglas’s story inspires young athletes and anyone striving to overcome obstacles and reach for the stars. Her story reminds us that with hard work, courage and a leap of faith, one can achieve greatness in the face of challenges.
Movieguide® previously reported on Douglas’ faith:
The three-time Olympic gold medalist gymnast Gabby Douglas is no stranger to the spotlight. Douglas competed in her first Olympics as a 16-year-old in the London 2012 Olympics and then again in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
But what grounds the U.S. gymnast is her faith in God.
“The arena was rocking, everyone cheering, but I could hear Mom’s voice: ‘God is with you wherever you go,’” Douglas wrote in 2013. “Yes, He is, from start to finish, all the time.”
“Standing on top of the Olympic podium with the gold medal around my neck and my hand on my heart, hearing ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’ I felt overwhelmed with gratitude. To my teammates and my coach. To my family, especially my mom and my sisters and brother, who made so many sacrifices for me,” Douglas recalled. “And most of all, to God. Right from the start my life has been shaped by His Word. And usually that Word came through Mom, a serious student of the Bible. Let me show you.”
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
