The Fierce and The Final

When the term “aerial artist” comes to mind you might not think that Gabby Douglas fits that category. You might find a more apt description to be within the confines of a competitive gymnast. However, she is much much more than just a gymnastics competitor. The gravity defying movements that Gabby was able to achieve is nothing short of modern art. The ability to navigate the atmospheric conditions of a raucous crowd over seas or on her home stage have become legendary. A pioneer for African American women, the first winner of not only the team gold, but also the all around gold. Let that sink in, the first African American woman to win the gymnastics all around competition on the stage that is the pinnacle of the sport, The Olympic Games. With the ability to move against gravity that comes once in a lifetime her talents have tickled the imaginations of young aspiring black gymnasts of the past, present, and future. Gabby Douglas paved the way for future generations such as Simone Biles, regarded at the time as the heiress apparent.

Much of women's gymnastics has been dominated with the term “Americas Sweetheart” as to nominate the next face of the US Olympic gymnastic competition. Nobody truly saw Gabby Douglas as the clear front runner for the title. Many thought it would have been any of the other Fierce Five, but Gabby came out shining in the spotlight. This was a true turning point for women of color in the sport. There was a light at the end of the tunnel and there was a major opportunity to shatter the glass ceiling that had been long standing. Gabby did not disappoint when approaching that ceiling and shattering it into countless pieces. She was truly a catalyst in breaking the mold in what is possible for Black Excellence. And excellent she was. Much of her success was not without the palpable criticism that comes with being in the public eye. As she has stated to ESPN that the world of competitive sports can be cold and desolate at times. Gabby Douglas might have had one of the most critical moments in recent memory when she received backlash while on the podium and her hair was not coiffed and perfect. The life of an icon is not for those with weak fortitude.

Gabby Douglas forged on as the all around champion of the “fierce five” and a member of the “final five.” Not only an iconic member of the team, she was simply becoming an icon. Handling criticism with the grace of a young adult who has lived in the spotlight most of her life, she was the model for poise. With countless interviews among various news organizations she continued to inspire. Gabby Douglas was able to transform into a person of color who was taking all accounts of her performance, appearance, personality, and transforming them into motivation. This motivation came in the forms of repeat Olympic gold medals, books deals, a reality TV show, and a biopic film. Truly a remarkable representation of black excellence, perseverance, and an ability to rise above and through obstacles. Currently at 25 years old her body of work is that of many lifetimes. The daunting accomplishments just on the World and Olympic stage include 3 Olympic gold medals, 3 World medals (2 gold, 1 silver), and many more international victories. Absolutely remarkable for someone who is not even half way through their lifetime. From a young aspiring gymnast with almost impossible dreams, transforming into a World champion, culminating as an Olympic champion, and ultimately ascending to an icon for the African American community; Gabby Douglas truly shows that anything is possible.