Thank You Gabby.

August 10, 2016
Posted in Feature Articles, Sports
10 Aug 2016
Feature Articles, Sports 32 Comments
August 10, 2016 Jason

(feature Photo by Allen Fraser)

Dear Gabby Douglas,

Thank you for specifically being the highlight of the my Olympic experience. This is not to discredit Michael Phelps (the most decorated Olympian of all time), Katie Ledecky (the female Phelps), Simone Biles (arguably the greatest gymnast ever since…you), Aly Raisman (the team captain), USA basketball, USA track and field and others. I mean, I could go on and on about all of the fantastic athletes and stellar moments of these 2016 Olympic games, but I want to shine my proverbial flashlight on why YOU made this Olympics special to me.

Buried in the complete and utter dominance of the “Final Five” women’s gymnastics team from the good ol US of A, and the coronation of the new greatest gymnast (irregardless of gender) Simone Biles, stood one of the most humblest and mature athletes I think I’ve ever seen (yes, you Gabby). Allow me to regurgitate your 2012 Olympic resume for the general public who must have forgotten. Eh em…In London 2012, a younger, shorter Gabrielle Douglas “finally” rose to global recognition when she became the first African American woman in Olympic history to become the individual all-around champion, AAAAND the first American gymnast to win gold in both the individual all-around and team competitions AT. THE. SAME. OLYMPICS. She also became the only American all-around champion to win MULTIPLE gold medals in a single Olympic Games, AAAAND the first female reigning Olympic all-around champion to return to the World Championships and medal in the all-around since Elena Davydova in 1981.

Let me take a breather while people read and re-read what I just wrote. *long pause*

EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images

See, I had to say “‘finally’ rose to global recognition” because most of us aren’t privy to watching gymnastics as often as we watch basketball, football, baseball, et cetera. The casual “every 4-year” fans didn’t see you coming in 2012, but were more than proud to see you rise to gymnastic royalty. All eyes were on Jordyn Weiber and Aly Raisman (team captain). You, Weiber and Raisman all did well in qualifying for the all-around (qualifying 2nd, 3rd and 4th overall), but due to the rule that only 2 from each team could qualify for medals, Weiber (the reigning champ in this event) was the odd one out. She was seen with tears in her eyes, and justifiably so. All eyes were still on Raisman, but you rose as the victor and made history (see 2012 Olympic resume above…again). Next thing we knew, you and Phelps were the talk of the whole Olympics. Endorsement deals galore. A Lifetime biopic. Oprah. Everything seemed great for you, BUT…that’s where I saw the seed of your character. It was right there, during your coronation as the new Queen of the Gym with multiple gold medals, that is where I saw you rise. Not rise above the balance beam. Not rise above the scoring charts. But rise above the pettiness. Here you were, breaking records and taking names, and back home, you had basic…”folks” (for lack of a better word) and even commentators talk about your hair. *side eye* You earned your popularity and gold medals via hard work and dedication, but you didn’t ask for the celebrity status, and you certainly didn’t ask for their opinion on your hair. Yet, you remained poised and displayed grace. Thank you #1.

Now, for the main reason for this letter. (Yes, I know it’s long. Please bear with me.)

Robert Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports

A year after you rose to the top, a young Simone Biles made her debut as a senior gymnast. The “every 4-year” fans didn’t see her coming, just like they didn’t see you coming in 2012. For some crazy reason, they just expected you to not only qualify for the 2016 Olympics with ease, but be the team captain, be superwoman and have a perm all at once. *another side eye* 

I wish people could really comprehend how hard it is to train to do what you make seem easy. I wish more coverage were on gymnastics. You guys have events and competitions all the time, not just at the Olympics every 4 years. It is with that lack of knowledge and exposure that people were baffled that Simone Biles was “suddenly” crowned the greatest gymnast of all time coming into Rio 2016. So coming in to these Olympic games, you took a back seat to Simone…gracefully. Then, the Jordyn Weiber effect happened to you. You, the reigning champ in the all-around, placed 3rd, not only on the team, but also overall. Unfortunately, that pesky rule of only the top 2 from each team gets to go on, you were the odd one out. BUT…instead of tears, or a mean/jealous face, you took it in stride. Yes, I could tell that a lot was on your mind. Yes, I could tell a lot of inner emotions were forming, but you kept it in for the greater good of the team. Yes, you were the darling in 2012, but now Simone is the darling. You took that in stride as well. Thank you #2.

Behind the scenes and off-the-mat, you were dealing with other issues, such as your estranged father trying to come back into your life ONLY to try to get money from you. Also in 2010, two years before the world embraced you, you almost quit because your former gym staff strongly suggested that you should get a nose job. All of this off-the-mat drama mixed with time away from your family to train would lead you to nights where you would just call home to cry. You also had former teammates call you racist remarks such as “slave“. The hell you endured. The strength you showed…wow. Thank you #3. (You can read the rest of her off-the-mat drama here)

Courtesy of BET.com

Let me make this last point, which is also my most personal point. As an African-American, it gave me great joy to see someone from my race rise to the top with poise and grace. Prior to you, it was Dominique Dawes. Dominique won her first gold when you were just 1 year old. That’s how long it’s been for our culture to see another black gymnast break records and barriers. When you came on the scene, you shattered Dominique’s accomplishments and everybody’s expectations. You weren’t just the Olympic darling and America’s darling, you were our darling. I can admit, sometimes within our culture, we have the crabs-in-the-barrel mentality. We don’t want someone to take our place or be better than us most times. You could’ve easily chose not endorse and support Simone. You could’ve given her side-eyes and hated from afar. It wouldn’t have been right, per se, but I would’ve understood. But, you didn’t do any of that, and if you did, you kept it to yourself and allowed your true character to eradicate the potential hate.

No, you didn’t get to complete and defend your all-around crown. No, you didn’t get to compete in as many events as you did in London. No, you didn’t get as much interview air-time as you did in 2012. People may have forgotten the road you paved for Simone. People still may have something to say about your hair. In fact, I just saw an article today where they were nitpicking about you not putting your hand to your heart during the National anthem, but I understand your true character. I want you to know that you are still our darling. I wish they gave medals for being humble and graceful. If so, you would definitely be a gold medalist in that as well.

Thank you Gabby for not only your athletic ability, but your gold medal-worthy character.

Sincerely,

A Man Called Jason

, , , , , , , , , ,

Comments (32)

  2. http://gallart.by/

    Автор представляет сложные понятия в понятной и доступной форме, что помогает читателю лучше понять тему.

  3. why not look here

    Автор предоставляет дополнительные ресурсы для тех, кто хочет углубиться в изучение темы.

  4. ссылке

    Superb post however I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Thank you!

  7. Ismaelbic

    google bard, an upcoming AI from Google, is set to revolutionize search functionalities. Positioned as Google’s response to ChatGPT, this chatbot experiment aims to redefine user interactions. It goes beyond typical conversational AI, allowing users to plan events, draft emails, delve into complex topics, and even engage in coding activities. Additionally, it is on the brink of incorporating AI image generation, thanks to Adobe’s collaboration.

  10. get redirected here

    Я оцениваю тщательность и качество исследования, представленного в этой статье. Автор предоставил надежные источники и учел различные аспекты темы. Это действительно ценный ресурс для всех интересующихся.

  11. такой

    В статье явно прослеживается стремление автора к объективности и нейтральности.

  12. visite site

    Эта статья является примером качественного исследования и профессионализма. Автор предоставил нам широкий обзор темы и представил информацию с точки зрения эксперта. Очень важный вклад в популяризацию знаний!

  13. линк

    Читатели имеют возможность самостоятельно проанализировать представленные факты и сделать собственные выводы.

  14. Earnestadjum

    Thank you for any other informative blog. The place else may just I get that type of information written in such a perfect means? I have a challenge that I am just now working on, and I have been at the glance out for such information.
    writing service

  15. why not find out more

    Читателям предоставляется возможность ознакомиться с различными аспектами и сделать собственные выводы.

  18. this link

    Я не могу не отметить стиль и ясность изложения в этой статье. Автор использовал простой и понятный язык, что помогло мне легко усвоить материал. Огромное спасибо за такой доступный подход!

  19. вот этого

    It is actually a great and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you just shared this useful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  20. Stephendor

    Создаваемые российским заводом тренажеры для кинезитерапии https://trenazhery-dlya-kineziterapii.ru и специально разработаны для восстановления после травм. Конструкции имеют интересное предложение цены и функциональности.
    Продаем очень недорого Кроссовер с перекрестной тягой с усиленной конструкцией. В каталоге для кинезитерапии всегда в реализации модели грузоблочного и нагружаемого типа.
    Изготавливаемые тренажеры для реабилитации гарантируют комфортную и безопасную тренировку, что особенно важно для пациентов в процессе восстановления.
    Конструкции обладают подстраиваемым сопротивлением и уровнями нагрузки, что дает возможность индивидуализировать тренировки в соответствии с потребностями любого больного.
    Все изделия подходят для кинезитерапии по рекомендациям профессора Бубновского. Оснащены ручками для удобного выполнения тяг сидя или стоя.

  21. qweqtttt

    I do not even know how I ended up here but I thought this post was great I do not know who you are but certainly youre going to a famous blogger if you are not already Cheers

  25. JasonDox

    Welcome to dYdX: The Future of Decentralized Trading
    dYdX is a leading decentralized exchange (DEX) platform designed specifically for perpetual trading. Powered by a unique layer 2 solution, it offers zero gas fees and high-speed transactions, ideal for traders looking to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.
    dydx exchange
    Why Choose dYdX?
    Fully Decentralized: Enjoy complete control over your funds and trades with no third-party intervention.
    No Gas Fees: Thanks to our layer 2 integration, trade without worrying about expensive gas fees.
    Advanced Features: Utilize advanced trading features like cross-margining and isolated margin accounts to optimize your strategies.
    Getting Started with dYdX
    To start trading on dYdX, simply connect your wallet and begin trading a wide range of perpetual contracts. Our ensures that both novice and experienced traders can navigate and execute trades with ease.

    Trade Perpetual Contracts with Confidence
    Perpetual contracts are a powerful trading tool that allows you to speculate on the future price movements of a variety of cryptocurrencies without owning the underlying asset. With dYdX, you can:

    Leverage Up to 20x: Enhance your trading potential with leverage options tailored to your risk tolerance.
    Variety of Pairs: Trade a diverse selection of cryptocurrency pairs across multiple markets.
    Security at dYdX
    Your security is paramount at dYdX. Our platform employs state-of-the-art security measures to protect your assets and data, ensuring peace of mind with every trade you make.

    Join the dYdX Community
    Join a global community of traders who are revolutionizing the way decentralized finance operates. Stay updated and connected through our social media channels and community forums.

    Note: Always conduct thorough research and consider your risk tolerance before engaging in cryptocurrency transactions.

  26. RonnieBilla

    Welcome to Owlto Finance
    Owlto Finance is your ultimate partner for secure and efficient financial solutions. Whether you’re a personal investor or a large-scale business, we have the services that cater to your financial needs.
    owlto finance
    Why Choose Owlto Finance?
    Choosing the right financial platform is crucial for safeguarding your investments and ensuring growth. Here are some reasons why Owlto Finance stands out:

    Security: Your assets’ safety is our top priority, employing state-of-the-art security measures to protect your finances.
    Efficiency: Our platform is designed for efficiency, ensuring that your transactions are processed seamlessly and quickly.
    User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive and easy to navigate, our platform simplifies your financial management.
    Our Services
    Owlto Finance offers a wide range of services tailored to your specific needs, whether you’re looking to invest, save, or manage your funds better.

    Investment Options: Choose from a variety of investment plans that align with your goals and risk tolerance.
    Savings Accounts: Flexible saving options to grow your money with competitive interest rates.
    Financial Advising: Get expert advice from our team of experienced financial advisors to navigate your financial future.
    Getting Started with Owlto Finance
    Starting your financial journey with Owlto Finance is easy and straightforward:

    Sign Up: Create your account in minutes with our streamlined registration process.
    Customize Your Portfolio: Select from our range of financial products to customize your portfolio according to your needs.
    Monitor and Adjust: Use our tools to track your financial progress and make adjustments as necessary.
    Join Our Community
    At Owlto Finance, you’re not just investing; you’re joining a community of like-minded individuals who value financial freedom and security. Join us today and take control of your financial future.

    For more information, visit our website and start your journey with Owlto Finance now!

  27. Brucelit

    Maximize Your Crypto Trading with ParaSwap
    If you’re looking to enhance your cryptocurrency trading experience, it’s time to explore ParaSwap. This innovative platform serves as a decentralized exchange aggregator, giving you the best deals on the market.
    para swap
    What is ParaSwap?
    ParaSwap is a cutting-edge platform that aggregates the best prices from various decentralized exchanges. It provides users with the most efficient path to execute their trades by considering factors like price impact and gas fees.

    How Does ParaSwap Work?
    ParaSwap functions by connecting directly to multiple liquidity sources. It then simplifies the process of trading across different platforms by bringing the best rates to users all in one place. This means that you don’t have to hop between multiple exchanges—you can find everything you need through ParaSwap.

    Benefits of Using ParaSwap
    Competitive Rates: ParaSwap offers some of the best rates by aggregating prices from various platforms.
    Efficiency: Trade execution is designed to be quick and reliable.
    Transparency: Get clear insights into your trades with detailed transaction information.
    Why Choose ParaSwap?
    Choosing ParaSwap means straightforward, efficient crypto trading. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or new to the crypto space, having a tool like ParaSwap can enhance your trading strategy by ensuring you’re always accessing the best available prices.

    Getting Started
    To start trading with ParaSwap, simply connect your crypto wallet, input the details of your trade, and let ParaSwap find the best route for your transaction. It’s that simple!

    Conclusion
    Maximize your trading potential by leveraging the power of ParaSwap. With its aggregated approach to finding the best prices, efficiency, and transparency, ParaSwap stands out as a leading choice for cryptocurrency traders.

  28. VictorGox

    Welcome to Extra Finance
    At Extra Finance, we believe in empowering individuals and businesses with the tools they need to manage their finances more effectively. Whether you are looking to save smarter, invest wisely, or simply manage your expenses better, Extra Finance offers a range of solutions to help you achieve your goals.
    extra finance
    Why Choose Extra Finance?
    Extra Finance stands out for its commitment to customer satisfaction and cutting-edge financial tools. Here are a few reasons why you should consider us:

    Comprehensive Financial Solutions: From personal savings plans to business investment opportunities, we cover a wide spectrum of financial needs.
    User-Friendly Platform: Navigate through your financial options with ease thanks to our intuitive and straightforward interface.
    Expert Guidance: Our team of experienced financial advisors is always ready to assist you in making the best financial decisions.
    Services Offered by Extra Finance
    Extra Finance is committed to providing a diverse range of services that cater to different financial needs:

    Personal Finance Management: Tools and advice to help individuals manage their personal finances, set budgets, and save for the future.
    Investment Solutions: Personalized investment portfolios to help you grow your wealth according to your financial objectives.
    Loan Products: Flexible and competitive loans tailored to meet your needs.
    Retirement Planning: Strategic planning services to ensure your retirement is financially secure and comfortable.
    Getting Started with Extra Finance
    To join Extra Finance, simply create an account on our platform and begin exploring the numerous financial opportunities available to you. With just a few clicks, you can take control of your financial future.

    Remember, financial success is not just about making the right decisions today but about planning for tomorrow. Let Extra Finance be your partner on this journey to financial freedom!

  29. MiltonOmive

    Understanding Venus Protocol: Your Gateway to DeFi
    Venus Protocol has carved a niche in the fast-paced DeFi landscape by offering a one-stop solution for decentralized finance activities. Whether you’re interested in lending, borrowing, or yield farming, Venus provides secure and scalable services on the blockchain.
    venus protocol
    Why Choose Venus Protocol?
    The Venus Protocol stands out because:

    It operates on the Binance Smart Chain, ensuring fast and cost-effective transactions.
    It offers a decentralized lending platform that allows users to earn interest by supplying assets.
    The protocol enables borrowing against crypto collateral without the need for a trusted counterparty.
    It supports a wide range of crypto assets, providing higher liquidity and flexibility.
    Key Features of Venus Protocol
    Lending and Borrowing
    Venus Protocol facilitates decentralized lending and borrowing with minimal fees, supported by a robust risk management framework. Users can seamlessly supply assets to the protocol and earn interest, or borrow by simply collateralizing their holdings.

    Automated Yield Farming
    Maximize your returns with Venus Protocol’s yield farming opportunities. By leveraging your assets, you can participate in governance and earn rewards in the form of XVS, Venus Protocol’s native token.

    Multi-Asset Support
    The platform supports numerous cryptocurrencies, enabling diverse investment strategies and providing a convenient way to gain returns on multiple asset classes.

    Getting Started with Venus Protocol
    Start your DeFi journey with Venus Protocol by following these steps:

    Create a Wallet: Use a compatible wallet like Metamask or Trust Wallet to interface with Venus.
    Fund Your Wallet: Transfer crypto assets to your wallet to engage with the Venus Protocol.
    Connect and Start Earning: Connect your wallet to the Venus platform and start supplying or borrowing assets.
    Venus Protocol is your trusted partner in the decentralized financial ecosystem. With its advanced features and strong community support, it simplifies DeFi for everyone from beginners to seasoned users. Embrace the future of finance with confidence and start exploring the possibilities at .

  30. Rickynig

    Getting Started with Quickswap
    Quickswap is revolutionizing the way we trade cryptocurrencies by offering a decentralized platform for seamless crypto trading. As a user-friendly decentralized exchange (DEX), Quickswap allows users to swap tokens effortlessly without the need for intermediaries. Here’s a detailed guide to getting started with Quickswap.
    quickswap v3
    What is Quickswap?
    Quickswap is a layer-2 decentralized exchange built on the Polygon network, which is known for its high-speed and low-cost transactions. This platform provides an efficient and secure way to trade a wide range of cryptocurrencies without enduring hefty fees typical of Ethereum-based DEXes.

    Why Use Quickswap?
    Low Fees: Thanks to the Polygon network, trading on Quickswap is significantly cheaper than on Ethereum-based platforms.
    High Speed: Experience fast transaction speeds that enhance user experience and trading efficiency.
    User-Friendly Interface: Quickswap’s interface is designed to be intuitive, even for beginners, making it easy to trade cryptocurrencies.
    How to Use Quickswap
    Set Up a Crypto Wallet: You’ll need a compatible wallet like MetaMask or Trust Wallet. Ensure it’s connected to the Polygon network.
    Fund Your Wallet: Purchase or transfer tokens into your wallet for trading.
    Visit Quickswap Platform: Navigate to the Quickswap website and connect your wallet. This step is essential to access all features of the platform.
    Start Trading: Select the tokens you want to swap. With its simple interface, you can execute trades in just a few clicks.
    Tips for Effective Trading on Quickswap
    To make the most out of your trading experience on Quickswap, consider these tips:

    Keep an eye on the market trends and choose the right time for your trades.
    Understand the token pairs and their liquidity status to avoid high slippage.
    Regularly update your wallet and security settings to protect your assets.
    Conclusion
    Quickswap offers a robust platform for trading a wide range of cryptocurrencies efficiently. By leveraging the benefits of the Polygon network, it minimizes delays and costs associated with traditional crypto trading. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trader, Quickswap empowers you to navigate the DeFi space with ease and confidence.

  31. Petersog

    Understanding the Aave Protocol
    The Aave Protocol is revolutionizing the decentralized finance (DeFi) space with its unique approach to crypto lending and borrowing. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the world of cryptocurrencies, Aave offers a robust platform for managing your digital assets.
    aave lending
    What is Aave?
    Aave, which means ‘ghost’ in Finnish, is a non-custodial liquidity protocol. It allows users to earn interest on deposits and borrow assets. Aave is known for its wide range of supported cryptocurrencies and features that enhance the security and flexibility of crypto transactions.

    Key Features of Aave Protocol
    Flash Loans: Aave introduced the concept of flash loans, which are borrowed and repaid within a single transaction. This feature is useful for arbitrage opportunities and collateral swaps.
    Security: Aave is audited by leading blockchain security firms, ensuring the safety of user funds.
    Rate Switching: Users can switch between stable and variable interest rates, offering flexibility based on market conditions.
    Wide Asset Support: Aave supports multiple cryptocurrencies including Ethereum (ETH), DAI, and more.
    How to Get Started with Aave
    Getting started with Aave is straightforward:

    Set Up a Wallet: Use a compatible crypto wallet like MetaMask.
    Connect to Aave: Visit the Aave website and connect your wallet.
    Deposit Crypto: Choose from supported cryptocurrencies to deposit into the Aave Protocol.
    Start Earning or Borrowing: Once your crypto is deposited, you can start earning interest or borrowing assets instantly.
    Advantages of Using Aave
    There are several reasons why Aave stands out in the world of DeFi:

    Non-Custodial: Users maintain control over their funds.
    Highly Secure: Regular audits and community governance enhance security.
    Innovative Products: Pioneering features like flash loans provide unparalleled opportunities.
    In conclusion, the Aave Protocol offers a revolutionary platform for anyone looking to explore the potential of decentralized finance. Whether you’re earning interest or borrowing assets, Aave provides a secure and flexible experience.

  32. ScottZom

    What is Uniswap?
    Uniswap is a decentralized exchange (DEX) protocol built on the Ethereum blockchain. It enables direct peer-to-peer cryptocurrency transactions, allowing users to trade coins without intermediaries. This makes it a cornerstone of the Decentralized Finance (DeFi) ecosystem.
    uniswap app
    Benefits of Using Uniswap
    Uniswap offers several advantages over traditional, centralized exchanges:

    Decentralization: Users maintain control of their funds, minimizing the risk of hacking or fraud associated with central exchanges.
    Liquidity Pools: Uniswap uses automated liquidity pools instead of traditional order books, enabling seamless and efficient trading.
    Open Access: Anyone with an Ethereum wallet can trade on Uniswap, facilitating financial inclusivity.
    No Registration: Trade instantly without creating an account or passing through identity verification processes.
    How to Use Uniswap
    Getting started with Uniswap is simple and intuitive. Follow these steps:

    Create and fund an Ethereum wallet if you don’t have one. Some popular options include MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and Coinbase Wallet.
    Connect your wallet to the Uniswap platform by navigating to their website and initiating the connection process.
    Choose the tokens you wish to trade. Always ensure you are aware of the gas fees involved in the transaction.
    Initiate the swap and confirm the transaction in your wallet. Your new tokens will be available once the transaction is confirmed on the blockchain.
    Security Tips
    While Uniswap is a secure platform, it’s crucial to follow best practices to ensure your funds remain safe:

    Always ensure you are accessing the legitimate Uniswap website by verifying the URL.
    Keep your wallet’s private keys secure and never share them with anyone.
    Regularly update your cryptocurrency wallet and browser to prevent vulnerabilities.
    Conclusion
    Uniswap has revolutionized the way cryptocurrency trading operates by providing a secure, user-friendly, and inclusive platform. Whether you are a seasoned trader or a newcomer to the crypto world, Uniswap offers a powerful tool for navigating the DeFi landscape.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *