By: Taren Vaughan
Gabby Douglas stole the hearts of millions as the young gymnast made history during the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. Gabby brought home two gold medals, one for her performance with Team USA and the other for the Individual All-Around Competition, making her the first African American gymnast to accomplish that. As Gabby’s historical moments at the Summer Olympics were priceless and caused a wave of emotions over those who showed much support to her, her victories were somewhat dampered by those who felt the need to criticize the way she wore her hair during competition, followed by the digging up of her mother’s financial woes as well. But being the positive young lady that she is, Gabby brushed the negative comments aside and continued on with her amazing journey, and even got honored in her hometown with a mural. Appearing on talk shows alongside First Lady Michelle Obama, interviewing with Oprah Winfrey and being offered major endorsement deals, great things are continuing to happen for the pint sized Olympic champion. And now she has her very own line of leotards coming out, courtesy of GK Elite Sportswear, L.P. Gymnastike reports:
GK Elite Sportswear, L.P., the world’s leading supplier of gymnastics apparel, is pleased to announce the Gabrielle Douglas Signature Collection of gymnastics leotards. The first six leotards of the Signature Collection by Gabby Douglas, designed by the 2012 Olympic Individual All-Around Champion, will be available for sale in 2013 at www.gkelite.com.
“I am so honored & excited to have my own line of leotards with GK,” said Douglas. “Expressing my personality and love for gymnastics through this collection is a great way to share my creative ideas. I will be really proud when I see other gymnasts wearing my designs to practice!”The Gabby Douglas Signature Collection follows the success of the Gold Medal Signature Collections by 2008 Olympic All-Around Champion Nastia Liukin and 2008 Olympic Balance Beam Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson. Douglas’ Signature Collection will join GK’s Alexandra Raisman’s collection announced earlier this year and continue the same effective combination of the design and manufacturing expertise of GK and the artistic vision and unique perspective of a top athlete in the sport of gymnastics.
Kelly McKeown, Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations & Design at GK said, “Gabrielle Douglas exudes excitement when doing gymnastics. Her energy and performance put a smile on your face when you watch her. Her new signature collection captures this same energy with colorful fabrics and playful designs. We are so excited for the upcoming launch of her line that is co-branded with GK.”
You go Gabby.
Yes! She’s such a pretty girl. Happy for her.
Awesome!
Get em Gabby 😉
I see she allowed the pressures of society to make her wear weaves like they do to every other black woman. Damn shame.
But even the ponytail she had during the Olympics was weave, long before the criticism started. I don’t think it’s pressure at all. I believe that in addition to her new success, this is who she is outside of gymnastics routines, and there’s nothing wrong with that.