Gabrielle Christina Victoria Douglas, popularly known as Gabby Douglas, was born in Virginia on December 31, 1995, to Timothy Douglas and Natalie Hawkins Douglas. She is the youngest of three siblings and it is reported that she had an inclination for gymnastics from a young age. Douglas showed off her flexibility and skills, which encouraged her family to look into getting her involved in gymnastics when she was six years old. She was extremely dedicated, putting in long hours of work and training nearly every day. By the time Douglas was eight, she had won the Virginia State Championships! Over the next few years, Douglas developed her skills in ways that no one thought were possible, deeming her “The Flying Squirrel” for her extraordinary high-flying skills. Gabby has gone on to the Olympics and was considered to be one of the best gymnasts in the world.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Gabrielle Christina Victoria Douglas
Nickname:
The Flying Squirrel
Birth date:
December 31, 1995
Age:
28
Zodiac Sign:
Capricorn
Height:
5' 3"
Relationship Status:
Single
Net Worth:
$4 million
Background
Gabrielle Christina Victoria Douglas, born Gabby Douglas, was born on December 31, 1995, in Virginia to Timothy Douglas and Natalie Hawkins Douglas. She exuded astounding talents from the time she was a young girl, with flexibility that surprised her family and encouraged them to get her into gymnastics. By the time she was six years old, Douglas was training extremely hard, and more dedicated than most teenagers to learning and developing her skills as a gymnast. When she was just eight years old, Douglas was competing at the Virginia State Championships and astounded everyone by taking home the winning title for the all-around section of the competition!
Douglas’ first national debut and the beginning of her professional career as a gymnast was in 2008 at the U.S. Classic at only 13 years old. She secured 10th place in this competition, which was not a great result, but it was just the beginning for this young soon-to-be champion. Her career really skyrocketed in 2011, when she and her teammates took home gold at the world championships that were held in Tokyo. One of the biggest moments of her career occurred the following year when Douglas was selected to be part of the 2012 Olympic team. The 2012 summer Olympics saw Douglas and her team secure a gold medal, and while she did not take home any wins in the individual category, she received gold medals for the individual all-around competition, gaining her popularity in American sports and elevating her to celebrity status.
Over the next few years, Douglas focused on her training and looked to elevate her skills as a gymnast, preparing for the next round of the Olympics. The 2016 Olympics saw Douglas help her team once again secure a gold medal in the group category. Douglas is an amazing athlete and has accomplished so much over her career. Despite the hardships she faced, she never gave up. She is truly an inspiration, and we cannot wait to see more of her!
Career timeline
Douglas makes her debut national competition at 13 years old — and though she only took home 10th place at the U.S. Classic, this is only the beginning.
Douglas and her teammates take home gold at the world championships in Tokyo!
The 2012 summer Olympics sees Douglas and her team secure a gold medal, and she receives Gold for the individual all-around competition.
Douglas helps her team once again secure a gold medal in the group category at the 2016 Olympics.
Why We Love Gabby Douglas
She never gave up
Douglas never gave up, despite criticism and the hard lifestyle that professional gymnasts have. She is a go-getter and a great role model to upcoming gymnasts.
She inspired millions
As one of the first black gymnasts to ever take home the all-around champion gold medal, she is an inspiration to millions, not only in America but all over the world. We love this about her!
She mentors young athletes
After all that she has been through on her road to success, Douglas has taken it upon herself to help young girls and mentor them as they face similar hardships that she once experienced herself. Her positive energy is just what these youngsters need to find success.
5 Surprising Facts
She wanted to quit
Right before the 2012 summer Olympics, Douglas was thinking about quitting the sport to have a more normal and well-rounded life.
She has a barbie doll
Douglas has her very own Barbie doll that was designed after her.
She loves dogs
Douglas loves dogs and has two of her own — she definitely considers herself to be a dog person.
She won ‘Female Athlete of the Year’
Douglas was honored to be awarded the ‘Female Athlete of the Year’ award in 2012, making her the fourth gymnast in history to win the title.
She has a T.V. series
Douglas starred in “Douglas Family Gold,” which was a television series about her and her family's lives.
Gabby Douglas FAQs
Is Gabby Douglas married?
No, Douglas is not currently married, nor is she dating anyone.
When did Gabby Douglas start gymnastics?
Douglas began training at the young age of six and started competing at age eight.
Does Gabby Douglas still compete?
Gabby has not competed since the 2016 Olympics, though we hope to see her competing again!
Gabby Douglas’s birthday dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | December 31 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | December 31 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | December 31 | Thursday |
| 2027 | December 31 | Friday |
| 2028 | December 31 | Sunday |
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