Gabby Douglas
By: Moriah Norman 6th period Language Arts 3/16/16
"So many times in life, we're faced with a choice: When a task becomes super difficult, will we flip out and quit, or will we stay focused and keep fighting." - Gabby Douglas
Background "Early Troubles"
- Was born on December 31, 1995 to the mother Natalie Hawkins and father Timothy Douglas
- Gabby was born with a blood disease that left her sick for months
- At two months old she and her three siblings and parents became homeless living in a damp van
- Her father tried to find a job leaving the kids with their mother
- Giving in, Gabby's mother made the decision of living with their grandmother and her four kids
- When her mother saved up enough money they moved out and bought their own house but still had a struggle with money
Leaping Forward "Gymnastics Discovery"
From Virginia to Iowa "Toughest Decision"
Achievements "Road to Gold"
- At age six she was named Virginia State Gymnastics Champion
- Placed fourth in the 2010 Nastia Liukin Supergirl Cup
- Made history in 2012 as the first African American to make U.S. Olympic Team since Dominique Dawes
- First African American to win gold in women's individual all-around event and team award
Legacy Given to All
Even though Gabby has faced struggles in her life she chose to keep going. Her legacy is leaving the U.S.A gold medal as the first black woman to win individual and team award and she leaves us the motivation to never give up even through tough times because that is what makes us stronger. She also encourages us to succeed in whatever you do no matter the cost. She quotes...
"My message is to never quit and never give up. When you have a little trouble here and there, just keep fighting. In the end, it will pay off." - Gabby Douglas
Bibliograhy
"Bing." Gabby Douglas Inspirational Video. Web. 13 Mar. 2016.
Brian, Sarah Jane. "Gabby's Road to Gold." Scholastic Action. 07 Oct. 2013: 4+. SIRS Discoverer. Web. 15 Mar. 2016.
Editors, Biography.com. "Gabby Douglas." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television. Web. 14 Mar. 2016. <http://www.biography.com/people/gabby-douglas-20900057>.
Greeley, Murphee, and Gabby Douglas. "Gabby Douglas." Gabby Douglas. Web. 10 Mar. 2016.
Kosara, Tori. Gabby Douglas: Going for Gold. New York: Scholastic, 2013. Print.