Gabby Douglas’ hairstyle in the cross hairs
ASSOCIATED PRESS August 5, 2012 8:54PM
U.S. gymnast Gabrielle Douglas performs on the floor during the artistic gymnastics women's individual all-around competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics on Aug. 2, 2012, in London. | Gregory Bull~AP
Updated: September 7, 2012 6:13AM
LONDON — Women’s gymnastics all-around champion Gabby Douglas likes her hairstyle just fine, thank you.
The 16-year-old said Sunday she was a little confused when she logged on to her computer after winning her second gold medal in three days Thursday — she also helped the U.S. women win the team event — and discovered
people were debating her pulled-back look.
‘‘I don’t know where this is coming from. What’s wrong with my hair?’’ said Douglas, who became the first U.S. gymnast to win gold in the team and all-around competitions. ‘‘I’m like, ‘I just made history, and people are focused on my hair?’ It can be bald or short; it doesn’t matter about [my] hair.’’
Douglas uses gel, clips and a
ponytail holder to keep things in place while she competes. She said it’s a style she has worn for years.
‘‘Nothing is going to change,’’ Douglas said. ‘‘I’m going to wear my hair like this during beam and bar finals [in the individual events]. You might as well just stop talking about it.’’
The bubbly teenager became the first African-American gymnast to win the biggest prize in the sport. Douglas said she had no idea she was lighting up social media until she Googled herself hours after winning her gold medal.
‘‘I don’t think people should be worried about that,’’ she said. ‘‘We’re all champions, and we’re all winners. I just say that it’s kind of a stupid and crazy thought to think about my hair.’’
AP
