Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast Gabby Douglas Named AP Female Athlete of the Year

Gabby Douglas was the guest speaker at the District 4 DeKalb County Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton’s youth empowerment breakfast. The Olympian gave special remarks to the academy students, who represent a variety of high schools in the county, as well as to youth there who were in gymnastics themselves. Douglas touched on her family’s past struggles and their determination to make sure she succeeded in her goals.

“We’re so proud to have her [Douglas] here this morning, and we’re grateful that she’s also committed to helping youth reach their fullest potential,” said Sutton.

Douglas, nicknamed “The Flying Squirrel,” began formal gymnastics training at the age of 6; by the age of 8, she had won her first major title as the 2004 Virginia State Champion. At 16, she was selected as a member of the U.S. Olympic Women’s Gymnastics team to compete in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England. There, she became the first African-American woman, as well as the first woman of color of any nationality, to win an Olympic gold medal as the All-Around Individual Champion.