Gabby Douglas shot into international superstardom during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where she won several gold medals including the individual all-around and team competitions. Unfortunately with Gabby’s fame, came criticism. The criticism she faced about her hair, returned again along with so much more during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.
People said she was unpatriotic when Douglas was the only member of the Final Five who didn’t place her hand on her heart during the national anthem after they won gold; they said she was bitter when Simone Biles won the individual all-around and Aly Raisman won silver and Douglas – who was clapping – didn’t give a standing ovation like her teammates Laurie Hernandez and Madison Kocian. Though Douglas finished third in qualifying, a rule stating only two from each country could go to the Finals, caused her to miss a chance to compete for the medal she won in the last Olympics. People also again made fun of Douglas’ hair. They did all of this on social media, and she saw it all.
“I tried to stay off the internet because there’s just so much negativity,” Douglas said. “Either it was about my hair or my hand not over my heart [on the medal podium] or I look depressed. … It was hurtful. It was hurtful. It was. It’s been kind of a lot to deal with.”
Douglas noted “I apologized if I offended anyone” by merely standing at attention rather than copying her four teammates, who had their hands over their hearts. But she still remains a bit baffled. “I’ve always said it was an honor to represent the U.S. You always do this for your country, and then, like people say, for yourself and other people.”
After Douglas thanked everyone in the press area and gave way to Madison Kocian, who won the silver medal in the uneven bars competition, she walked down the hallway at Olympic Arena. Then Douglas stood in a corner, facing a wall, and had a good, long cry.
The team says they’re as close as sisters. Douglas actually spent the morning of the all-around helping Biles and Raisman get ready. So it was hurtful to hear that she was bitter and unsupportive.
“I love them. … I always supported them,” Douglas said
“When I heard some of the comments, I was finally like ‘Whoa, whoa, whoa, that’s far from me and far from my personality at all,” Douglas said. “I’ve been through a lot. A lot. Sometimes I sit back and say, ‘Wait. What did I do to disrespect people? What have I done to disrespect the USA?'”
“I don’t get that part,” Douglas said, tearing up again. “I’m sorry.”
Today the hashtag #LOVE4GABBYUSA was trending on Twitter to combat the backlash against her and show her love and support.
source: ESPNw
