Gabby Douglas's net worth is the result of turning her sports success into lasting wealth
Gabby Douglas made history as an American Olympian and
confident gymnast. In 2012, she became the first African-American woman to win
a gold medal in the individual all-around at the London Olympics. Following
this historic achievement, Douglas published two autobiographical books,
appeared on various television shows, and continued to demonstrate her creative
talents outside of sports.
Following the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, Douglas
quietly retired from competitive gymnastics to focus on her personal life and
mental health. A severe ankle injury sustained during training prevented her
from competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, this trailblazer has hinted
at a potential spectacular return at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles,
California. Let's take a look at the illustrious career, income, and activities
that have earned this gold medalist Gabby Douglas an estimated net worth of
several million dollars.
Douglas's passion for gymnastics began at a young age.
Born in Newport News, Virginia, Gabrielle
Christina Victoria Douglas began taking gymnastics lessons at age six. However,
her first exposure to the sport came at age three, when, according to
Biography.com, she honed her cartwheel skills at the 2004 Virginia State
Championships.
In 2010, Douglas moved to Des Moines, Iowa, to train
full-time with gymnastics coach Lianne Chau at Chau's Gymnastics and Dance
Institute. While in West Des Moines, Douglas lived with Travis and Missy
Parton, whose daughter was also one of Chau's students. Douglas won a silver
medal on balance beam and placed fourth in the individual all-around at the
2010 U.S. Junior Championships. Shortly thereafter, she placed around fifth in
the individual all-around at the 2010 Pan American Championships.
The future Olympian made his national debut in 2008
Douglas made her US debut at the 2008 US Houston Classic,
placing 10th in the individual all-around. In 2011, she won a gold medal at the
World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Tokyo. That same year, she won a
silver medal on the uneven bars at the Chicago Cover Girl Classic and tied for
bronze at the US Championships.
The following year, Douglas made history by competing as
a member of the US Olympic team at the 2012 London Olympics. The US team,
comprised of Douglas, Aly Raisman, Kyla Ross, McKayla Maroney, and Jordyn
Wieber, earned the nickname "Fierce Fierce." The team won the gold
medal, the first time a US women's gymnastics team had won a gold medal since
1996. Additionally, at age 16, Gabby Douglas became the first African-American
to win a gold medal in the individual all-around. This success garnered her
multiple endorsement deals, contributing to the rapid growth of her wealth.
Douglas's Third Team Gold Medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics
Following her performance in London, Douglas competed in
the 2016 Rio Olympics. During the preliminary competition, she fell twice on
the balance beam, finishing seventh. Nevertheless, she won her third team gold
medal, joining Simone Biles, Laurie Hernandez, Aly Raisman, and Madison Kocian.
Unfortunately, due to the Olympic "two skaters per
country" rule (limiting each country to two skaters), this champion was
unable to compete in the individual all-around final. Douglas achieved the
third-highest score in the individual all-around qualifying round.
Additionally, Douglas received public criticism for not covering her heart
during the national anthem and for appearing "indifferent" while her
teammates were competing.
"I never intended any disrespect and I apologize if
I offended anyone. I am thrilled with our team's accomplishments today and so
happy to bring home another gold medal for our country," Douglas said in a
statement posted to X (formerly Twitter). Her mother, Natalie Hawkins, said she
was "heartbroken" by the harsh criticism her daughter received
online.
Why Gabby Douglas Withdraws from the 2024 Paris Olympics
Douglas withdrew from the U.S. Championships after suffering
an ankle injury during competition, disqualifying her from the 2024 Paris
Olympics. "I want to inspire my generation and the next generation of
gymnasts that age is just a number and that you can achieve anything if you
work hard," Douglas told ESPN. Following her injury, she has gradually
stepped away from gymnastics to prioritize her mental health.
Recently, she has been pursuing creative endeavors
outside of sports.
Douglas co-wrote her first autobiography, "Grace,
Gold and Glory: My Leap of Faith," with Michelle Burford, chronicling her
journey to becoming an Olympic gold medalist. The book debuted at number four
on The New York Times Young Adult Bestsellers list. In 2013, the American
Olympian published her second book, "Raising the Bar," giving readers
a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Douglas's life as a gymnast.
Douglas has also branched out into acting. In 2013, she
guest-starred as herself on the Disney XD show "Kickin' It."
Douglas's episode, "Gabby's Gold," portrayed the young starlet as the
gymnastics coach for Kim Crawford, played by Olivia Holt.
In 2018, she also appeared on the CBS reality show
"Undercover Boss." In 2014, the biographical film about gold medalist
Gabby Douglas, "The Gabby Douglas Story," starring Imani Hakim,
premiered on Lifetime. In 2016, Douglas starred in one season of her own
reality show, "Douglas Family Gold." After being selected for the
Olympic team in 2016, Douglas launched the Barbie Shero "Gymnast
Barbie" doll. Douglas's creative endeavors have contributed not only to
her athletic career but also to her estimated income.
What is Gabby Douglas's net worth?
Douglas has been active in the gymnastics world since she
was a child. Her efforts have paved the way for other Black female gymnasts. In
addition to winning Olympic medals, Douglas has achieved the highest professional
status, earning endorsement deals and partnerships. She has also made guest
appearances on television shows and released the "Shero" doll in
collaboration with Mattel. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Douglas has an
estimated net worth of $4 million.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Does Gabby Douglas have children?
No, Gabby Douglas doesn't have any children.
What does Gabby Douglas think of Simone Biles?
Douglas has stated that she finds it frustrating that the
public constantly compares her to Biles. In a viral video posted to TikTok in
2024, TikTok user Legacy Jai detailed how people seemed to "abandon"
Douglas when Biles came on the scene. Douglas responded in the comments,
"I'm fine! It's really exhausting and tiring to be constantly bullied."
What is Gabby Douglas doing now?
According to multiple sources, Gabby Douglas is planning
a spectacular comeback at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. However, for now,
she appears to be focusing on her personal life.