Gabby Douglas Releases Second Book, Talks Rocky Relationship with Estranged Father

By: Taren Vaughan

Gabby Douglas had a sensational year last year as the gymnast earned her first gold medal of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London as a member of Team USA. But it was the moment when it was announced that Gabby had won the gold medal for the individual all-around that history was made, Gabby Douglas becoming the first African American female gymnast to accomplish that. Many were singing Gabby’s praises for such a big accomplishment while others were choosing to channel their energy into criticizing the way she wore her hair during competition and digging up information on her mother’s finances. Gabby and her family didn’t let the negativity get to them and it didn’t keep those who adore Gabby from honoring her. Nor did it keep her from landing major endorsement deals and getting her own line of leotards.

Gabby Douglas already put out her first book Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith. And now the Olympic champion is about to put out another one, Raising the Bar, which is set to come out in late April of this year. Talking with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Gabby talked about her new book, one where she touches on a number of things including being homeless, the controversy surrounding her hair, the racism and bullying that she has encountered and her relationship with her father. When asked how things are between her and her father now, Gabby says:

“I think the last time I talked with him was probably at the Olympic trials. Training for the Olympics is very hard. It’s hard to communicate even with my mom. … There’s so much going on. I really haven’t had a chance. Our relationship is not really well right now. I’m just honored to have Travis, my host dad. He’s been that father figure to me.”