Two-time Olympic champion Gabrielle “Gabby” Douglas visited Fordham University last week as part of the American Age Lecture Series. Douglas was the first African American to win the all-around gold in the 2012 Olympics.
She holds six Olympic and World Championship titles, making her the 11th most decorated female United States gymnast of all time.
Douglas spoke about her experience at her two Olympic Games, as well as her advocacy for mental health and against cyberbullying in the Fordham Preparatory School Leonard Theatre on Sept. 4. “Accolades and medals, they’re amazing, but they don’t define the person. Gymnastics is what I do, it’s not who I am,” Douglas said.
The conversation was hosted by Sofia Hernandez, FCRH ’27, co-chair of the Campus Activities Board (CAB) LIVE! Committee.
Douglas discussed her return to gymnastics in 2023 after taking eight years off.
“Towards the end of my second Olympics, I lost the love and passion that I once had for the sport,” Douglas said. “I just felt like the people within the gymnastics community were trying to put me in a box.”
Douglas shared that she was trying to compete in the 2024 Olympics in July 2023 and made her competitive return at the 2024 American Classic. She qualified for the U.S. Championships on the vault, uneven bars and balance beam; however, in May 2024, she withdrew from Olympic consideration after an injury.
“I finally started the journey to get back in the gym and love it again, and my goal was to just step foot in the gym and love gymnastics again, no matter the outcome,” Douglas said.
Douglas was part of the “Fierce Five” and “Final Five” Olympic teams, and during her time in the spotlight, she had both a Barbie doll and a movie inspired by her. For many attendees, she was someone who had inspired them in their youth.
“When I was little, I did gymnastics, and she was a big inspiration for me,” said Emilie Campbell, FCRH ’27. “So it’s like I’m making little Emilie’s dream come true.”
Douglas has been an advocate for mental health since she left the gymnastics world, working with Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation.
“I really feel like people are talking about it more, which is a great thing,” Douglas said, in reference to mental health in women’s sports. “I like that they’re doing a lot of safety nets and [being] more hands-on with psychological training for young girls. I’m happy to see that change.”
This year, Douglas was inducted into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame, the first Black female gymnast to receive the honor.
“I didn’t even know my name was put into the hat,” Douglas said. “It was a really special moment, it feels amazing to be [alongside] other athletes.”
Currently, Douglas lives on a farm with her family in Texas, where she raises cows and llamas.
The event had around 60 attendees and lasted about an hour, including 30 minutes of questions and answers.
“I remember watching Gabby Douglas on the TV when she was at the Olympics, and I saw her win a gold medal, and as soon as I saw that she’d be here, I really wanted to come and see her,” said Maria Valino, GSB ’27.
Students’ questions spanned from how Douglas fought through mental blocks, to her favorite song. She encouraged attendees, athletes or not, to set goals for themselves and create a good support system.
“Don’t listen to the naysayers, don’t listen to anyone that says you can’t do it, because who are they?” Douglas said.” You have so much quality to add to the world, don’t listen to the keyboard warriors, they don’t matter.”
