Fallen idol Douglas exits Games on a low
GABBY Douglas, the golden girl of gymnastics at the 2012 Olympics, exited Rio on a low Sunday slumping on uneven bars amid claims she has been the victim of on-line social media abuse.
Douglas became the f irst African- American to win the Olympic title in London 2012 and fi rst US gymnast to claim both the team and all- around gold medals in a single Games.
But the 20-year- old finished seventh in the eight- woman uneven bars final on Sunday with Russia’s Aliya Mustafina retaining her tit le ahead of American Madison Kocian.
“I wanted to fi nish on a stronger note,” said Douglas, who has been overshadowed by star teammate Simone Biles. Biles is set to become the greatest woman gymnast ever and on course for a record haul of five gold medals in Rio.
Douglas slammed “hurtful” comments about her hairstyle and smile and suggestions that she bleaches her skin.
“There’s been a lot of negativity, it’s just been a little bit hard and at the same time very upsetting,” she said.
Douglas took time off after London and since then 19-yearold Biles has dominated women’s gymnastics.
Douglas had already come under fi re for her inclusion in the Olympic team despite struggling in US trials.
In Rio, she failed to defend her all- around title after qualifying third behind Bi les and Aly Raisman, with a two-per- country limit.
Despite helping the US defend their women’s team title, she was forced to apologise after a Twitter backlash for failing to put her hand on her heart during the American national anthem.
“I never meant any disrespect and apologize i f I of fended anyone,” she said on Twitter.
“I’m so overwhelmed at what our team accomplished today and overjoyed that we were able to bring home another gold for our country!”
Biles and Raisman went 1-2 in the all- around final and again Douglas, on the sidelines in the Rio Olympic Arena, came under fire for failing to stand up and cheer with the rest of US team.
Biles became the fi rst American woman to win the Olympic vault title on Sunday and the first to win three gold at the same Games after her team and all- around successes. — AFP