LONDON — Might be time to get Gabby Douglas a new nickname. Olympic champ works.
Known as “The Flying Squirrel,” Douglas won the women’s all-around title Thursday night, becoming the third straight American to win gymnastics’ biggest prize and the first African-American. It’s her second gold medal of the London Games, coming two nights after she and her “Fierce Five” teammates gave the United States its first Olympic title since 1996.
“I wanted to seize the moment,” Douglas said. “It hasn’t sunk in yet. Team finals hasn’t sunk in yet. But it will.”
In the lead from the first event, Douglas finished the night by rocking the O2 Arena with her electric floor routine, flashing a dazzling smile and lots of pizzazz. When her score posted 62.232, coach Liang Chow told Douglas she had won the gold.
Tweeted Douglas later: “WOW such an AMAZING experience! thank you all for your support, love and prayers love you all!!! #oncloud9
American Gabby Douglas wins All-Around gold, Raisman finishes 4th