Douglas earned two gold medals and became the first African American and fourth American to win the women’s all-around gymnastic event.
Photo: Associated Press
The NAACP has released the following statement congratulating gymnast Gabby Douglas for her groundbreaking achievements during the 2012 London Olympics:
“The NAACP congratulates 16-year-old Gabby Douglas for her historic gymnastics performance and achievement during the 30th Olympic games in London,” stated Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors. “Gabby’s story and success is an inspiration for girls of color who are working tirelessly each day to achieve their goals. We look forward to her continued success and welcome her as a beacon for those who wish to follow in her footsteps.”
Gabby Douglas is the latest in an ever-growing list of successful African-American female Olympians, including Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Wilma Rudolph, Sheryl Swoopes, Dominique Dawes, Alice Coachman, Althea Gibson, Sanya Richards-Ross, and Venus and Serena Williams. These women and so many others have broken barriers for not only women of color, but athletes around the world.
“Women of color have shaped the history of sports on the international stage since Alice Coachman became the first black woman to earn a gold medal in 1948,” noted Brock. “Gabby is part of the next generation of history makers and will serve as a role model for millions of young women with a dream and the drive to succeed.”
