Grace, Gold, and Glory Page 15

  A couple days later, on August 12, I appeared with the First Lady, Michelle Obama, on The Jay Leno Show. When I first saw her, I thought, She is so tall! Mrs. Obama and I chatted for a moment after the taping, and she was funny, down to earth, and cool.

  “Congratulations!” she said to me. “I’m so proud of you.”

  “Well, thank you!” I said.

  “Let me know if you need anything,” she said.

  “Well,” I joked, “maybe I can have a sleepover with your girls at the White House.”

  She chuckled. “Yes, definitely. I think that’s a great idea.”

  Fingers crossed that I’ll one day get to meet Sasha, Malia, and even the president! And speaking of President Obama, did I mention he called me and my teammates after Team USA won gold? “Congratulations,” he said. “I’m proud of you.” What an honor it was to talk with him!

  A few days after Jay Leno’s show, I flew to New York to cohost America’s Got Talent with Nick Cannon. When I put my double gold medals on backstage, Nick Cannon joked, “Hey, Two Chains!” (As in 2 Chainz, the rapper … hilarious!). A moment later, Nick introduced me to a roaring crowd as the show’s judges all gave me a standing ovation. Can you say goose bumps?

  An absolute whirlwind — that’s how I’d describe the months that have followed the Olympic Games. I’ve had my picture featured on a Kellogg’s Corn Flakes cereal box (cheese!); bumped around on a bus across the country for the Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics (so awesome to reunite with the Fierce Five); met Oprah for an interview at the Partons’ house (my first trip back to Des Moines … what a sweet reunion!); got all glammed up to be on the cover of Essence; threw out a pitch for the Mets at Citi Field in Los Angeles; met Pink and the (very!) McDreamy Patrick Dempsey on the season premiere of The Ellen Degeneres Show; led the pledge of allegiance at the Democratic National Convention (and the whole time backstage beforehand, I was thinking, Oh no — what if I forget the words? I did fine.); supported and worked the phone banks for the Stand Up for Cancer benefit (where I met stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, Mac Miller, fellow Olympian Missy Franklin, Julia Roberts, Donald Faison, Minka Kelly, Kobe Bryant, and so many others who all came together to raise money for cancer research); encouraged drivers to stop texting while driving (because seriously, folks, it can wait …); starred in a video-game commercial (love my Nintendo 3DS!); and signed more autographs than I ever thought possible. As much of a mouthful all of that was, it’s not even the end of the list!

  A couple of my experiences were so amazing that I want to give you some of the details. So here goes.

  On September 6, 2012, my teammates and I appeared on the MTV Video Music Awards — aka “The VMAs.” On the night of the event, a team of hair and makeup artists went to work on me and Mom in the hotel; someone was even painting our fingernails and toes! The makeup artist asked me, “Okay, what do you like?” I said, “I love foundation, blush, eye shadow, mascara, lip balm — all the good stuff!” When I’m competing, I prefer a natural look — but for special occasions, I go all out! Once the hairstylist gave me some long, loose, and flowing layers that worked perfectly with my outfit — a shimmery gold-and-black sequined dress, black heeled booties, and dangly earrings — I couldn’t wait to walk the red carpet.

  The girls and I pulled up to the event inside a car with tinted windows. “Roll down your windows! Roll down your windows!” chanted a big group of fans who had gathered. Since there were so many Escalades and Cadillacs rolling around, the crowd didn’t know who was in which car — but they figured we must be famous, so they screamed. When my teammates and I finally stepped out of the car, they began another chant: “U-S-A! U-S-A!” We walked onto the red carpet right behind Miley Cyrus, and that was such an awesome feeling! Everyone was taking pictures of her and screaming, “Look this way, Miley!” Then a guy screamed out, “Gabby, can we get your picture?” Dozens of other photos followed.

  The whole night, I was surrounded by all of my favorite stars. When Katy Perry spotted me, she said, “Gabby, I love you!” She came running up to me, grabbed a camera, and snapped a picture of us. Later, I got to sit in the front row and shake hands with Chris Brown, who’s from Virginia. I also met Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and, of course, Alicia Keys — my partner on stage. I got to perform with her and Nicki Minaj that night.

  Before my number, I practiced the flips I was supposed to do as Alicia sang “Girl on Fire.” Alicia and Nicki couldn’t be there for my trial run, so I just rehearsed on my own by going through all of the tumbles once. Then right before our appearance, I did the fastest clothing change I’ve ever done: in twenty-five seconds, I swapped my dress for a pair of leather leggings and a flowing, sparkly top. Trying to make it out there on time was totally nerve-wracking. Right after my teammates and I were onstage announcing Alicia Keys’s entrance, I rushed backstage to change. I was back there trying to tug those skinny leather pants up my legs — but they were sticking to my skin! I got them on just in time to go out there. The handsprings were fine. My shirt was not. As I was bounding through the air, the top flew right up into my face! Thankfully, the crowd didn’t see much except for my bra straps. The whole evening was unforgettable. I felt like I’d leapt right off that London podium and right into a Hollywood dream.

  Later in September, I had an experience that still gives me chills whenever I think about it: I visited the set of my all-time favorite TV series, The Vampire Diaries. My day there was even more special because my sister Joyelle, who has watched every episode of that show with me, got to come along with Mom and me.

  Why do we love the series so much? Because you never quite know what’ll happen next … it’s always unexpected. Way back when we first saw a preview of The Vampire Diaries, Joy and I weren’t so sure we’d tune in — we’re hardcore Twilight fans and we thought we’d just stick with that. But one night when we were clicking through the channels, we started watching The Vampire Diaries, and we’ve been hooked ever since.

  I was beside myself with excitement when the show’s producers arranged for me to appear in a scene on their set in Atlanta. Do you notice me trembling a bit because I got to meet Ian Somerhalder? He plays Damon on the show, and I’ve had the hugest crush on that guy forever. Actually, all the cast members are pretty hot — I met them all that day. After I’d filmed my two scenes (who knew actors had to do so many takes?), Mom, Joy, and I went on a backstage tour of the set. That place is enormous!

  Can you believe I’ve done all of this before I even have my driver’s license? And yes, I’m planning to get that real soon. In Iowa, Travis took me out in his truck a few times and taught me some basics; we didn’t get too far, though, because I was scared I was going to hit a deer — there are so many of them there. And now that the Olympics are over, I’m back in homeschool and finishing off my high-school diploma. I eventually want to go to acting school. Ever since I did that cameo on Vampire Diaries (so what if it was a nonspeaking part?), I have been bitten by the acting bug! Hard to believe that I’m the same girl who was once so shy that I clutched my mother’s leg! What a difference two golds make.

  What’s next for me? For one thing, I can’t wait to catch my breath and simply chillax with Mom, Arie, Joy, and John. Secondly, I’ll eventually start training again. That’s right, I’ve already started dreaming about my next leap of faith, the 2016 Rio Olympics. “You haven’t even reached your peak,” my coach keeps telling me. I know that means he’s planning to push me harder than he ever has — and I’m ready. Bring it on, Chow!

  Grace. Gold. Glory. Those three little words now have the biggest meaning for me. Grace — that’s all about how my Father’s love, mercy, and forgiveness will never (ever) run out. Gold — yes, that describes the pair of medals I will always feel so privileged to wear, but it’s also the standard we can use in how kindly we treat one another. Glory — when God shares it with us, there’s only one thing we can do: give it right back to Him.

  Acknowledgments

  SO MANY AWESOME P
EOPLE HAVE BELIEVED IN ME AND SUPPORTED ME DURING MY journey. To all those who’ve offered me your love, encouragement, prayers, and hugs, I appreciate you. Here are a few I’d like to honor publicly:

  My sports agent, Sheryl Shade: Thanks for everything you’ve done for me and my career, and managing everything so I can focus on competing.

  My literary agent, Frank Weimann: Thank you for handling the publishing side of my career and helping to make me an author.

  My cowriter, Michelle Burford: I enjoyed spending time with you and am so proud of the book we worked on together!

  My coaches, Liang Chow and Liwen Zhuang, who I affectionately call Chow and Li: Thank you for helping me believe in the talent God blessed me with, and for giving me the training I needed to tap into my potential as an elite athlete.

  My grandparents, Granddad and Miss Carolyn: Thank you for coming to my competitions and helping out when my family needed it most.

  My Tia, Bianca: You’ve always been there with exactly the encouragement I needed.

  My host parents, Travis and Missy Parton: Thank you for opening your home, welcoming me in, and loving me as one of your own.

  My host sisters, Hailey, Lexi, Leah, and Elissa: You shared your mom and dad with me and kept me laughing constantly!

  Pastor Quintin Stieff: I appreciate all of the spiritual lessons and prayers.

  Jim and Susan Mars, Bill and Vicki Parton, Dustin and Ann Mars, Matt and Amanda Oleson: I’m grateful that you stepped in and became my family while I was away from home.

  My Chow’s Gym family: Thank you for always cheering for me!

  And of course none of this could have been accomplished without the skills of my team at Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins. Thanks to the captain of my book team, Lisa Sharkey, who signed me up, and to Jacque Alberta, who has worked around the clock to get the manuscript in shape. Much appreciation also goes to Art Director Cindy Davis, Photo Editor Kim Tanner, the marketing team of Chriscynethia Floyd, Sara Merritt, and Jonathan Michael, the Composition team of Ben Fetterley and Greg Johnson, and the incredible sales force at Zondervan. My gratitude also goes to HarperCollins CEO Brian Murray, HarperCollins Christian Division CEO Mark Schoenwald, and SVP and Publisher Annette Bourland for your enthusiasm and support for this project.

  Discussion Questions

  1. Just seven months before the Olympics, Gabrielle wanted to quit gymnastics. Have you ever felt like quitting even after you put in lots of hard work, persistence, and hope? What made you want to quit? How do you continue on and not give up?

  2. Is there a parent, sibling, or family member whom you wish was in your life more consistently? Who do you talk to about these feelings? How can you stay positive toward that person?

  3. Gabrielle’s mom prayed for God to heal her daughter over and over, and he did. Have you witnessed an answer to prayer like that? Do you believe God hears all of your prayers even if he doesn’t answer the way you ask him to?

  4. Gabrielle reflects on some fun memories from her childhood throughout the book. What family traditions or childhood memories have shaped your life?

  5. Sometimes people don’t realize how upsetting their words can be. Have you ever teased someone and found out later their feelings were hurt? Or have you ever said something about a person’s appearance or personality? How can you make things right with that person?

  6. Gabrielle knew she wanted to go to the Olympics when she saw Carly Patterson win the all-around gold at the 2004 Summer Games. Has someone inspired you to do something big? Who is it, and how has their accomplishment motivated you?

  7. Moving to Iowa was a big step for Gabrielle, from leaving her family to starting with a new coach and a new training regimen. But it was one she felt she needed to take. Have you ever made a decision you felt was necessary? How did that leap of faith turn out?

  8. Being a good winner or a good loser says a lot about a person’s character. What did you notice about Gabrielle’s treatment of her teammates when they beat her? How about when she beat them?

  9. Gabrielle’s family and host family played an important role in her gymnastics success and in keeping her grounded. How do you support your friends and family members in their goals and struggles? How do your friends and family encourage and guide your life?

  10. Gabrielle’s mom always reminds her of God’s promises. What Scriptures (or quotes) do you know that bring comfort, peace, or strength? What verses included in this book remind you of something important?

  About the Authors

  GABRIELLE DOUGLAS is a two-time Olympic gold medalist. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, she made history, becoming the first US gymnast to take home a team and an individual gold medal in the same games. Gabrielle began her training at age six, and became the Virginia State Champion only two years later. When she was fourteen, she left her family in Virginia Beach to train with coach Liang Chow in Des Moines, Iowa. Under Chow’s guidance, and with tremendous faith in God’s plan for her, Gabrielle competed in the Olympic Trials and walked away with a victory and the only guaranteed spot on the team. Since her Olympic triumph, Gabrielle has used her platform to inspire millions with a powerful message: With hard work and persistence, any dream is possible. Visit her online at www.gabrielledouglas.com

  MICHELLE BURFORD is a Harvardtrained journalist and a founding editor of O, The Oprah Magazine. Though she has visited nearly three dozen countries on six continents and interviewed scores of folks along the way, she’d never once even attempted a cartwheel until the day she watched Gabrielle claim the Olympic gold medal. One month and two enormous bumps on the forehead later, Michelle teamed up with Gabrielle to bring you the story behind the story. To check Michelle’s creations, visit www.michelleburford.com

  Visit www.AuthorTracker.com for exclusive information on your favorite HarperCollins author.

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  Grace, Gold & Glory

  Copyright © 2012 by Gabrielle Douglas

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  Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible. Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

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  Scripture quotation on page 202 taken from the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB). Copyright © 1998 by David H. Stein. All rights reserved.

  Scripture quotations also taken from the King James Version.

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