Get to Know Gabby, Golden Gabby Douglas That Is…

Is it a bird, is it a plane, no it’s a flying squirrel. And technically, you’re not outside. That ebony projectile you see flying all over the place in the Olympic gymnastics events is Virginia Beach’s own, Gabby Douglas.

Young Gabby is only 16 and she has the chance to be this year’s Olympic darling. With Michael Phelps unable to duplicate his 2008 performance and Ryan Lochte looking like a one gold medal wonder, it’s up to Gabby to hold it down.

She was named “The Flying Squirrel” by the USA National team coordinator, Martha Karolyi. It was Gabby’s insane artistry on the uneven bars that earned her this nickname. 

Douglas is already a star. The 2011 World Champion and 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials Champion was featured on the cover of Time Magazine’s July Olympic issue.

Yesterday (July 31), Douglas competed with her teammates for the all-around team gold ... and won! She's compete in the individual all-around on Thursday, and the uneven bars and balance beam next week. She’ll be the first African-American to medal in an individual Olympic event since Dominique Dawes in 1996.

Given all of Dominique’s accomplishme

nts, Olympic gold is all that matters and tonight is her first opportunity. Go get that gold tonight Gabby! We’re rooting for you