Gabby Douglas: You People Are Worried About My Hair?

Does anybody remember that gold medal thing?
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Aug 6, 2012 12:53 PM CDT
Gabby Douglas: You People Are Worried About My Hair?
US gymnast Gabby Douglas waves after winning the gold medal during the artistic gymnastics women's individual all-around competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012, in London.   (Gregory Bull)

Women's gymnastics all-around champion Gabby Douglas likes her hairstyle just fine, thanks. The 16-year-old said yesterday she was a little confused when she logged onto her computer after winning her second gold medal in three days and discovered people were debating her pulled-back look. "I don't know where this is coming from. What's wrong with my hair?" asked Gabby, the first US gymnast to win gold in team and all-around competition. "I'm like, 'I just made history and people are focused on my hair?' It can be bald or short, it doesn't matter."

Gabby uses gel, clips, and a ponytail holder to keep things in place while she competes, a style she's worn for years. "Nothing is going to change," she said. "I'm going to wear my hair like this during beam and bar finals. You might as well just stop talking about it." The bubbly teenager is the first African-American gymnast to win her sport's biggest prize. She had no idea she was lighting up social media until she Googled herself hours after winning her gold medal. "I just say that it's kind of, a stupid and crazy thought to think about my hair." (More Gabby Douglas stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X