We all know Gabby Douglas for setting trends and breaking records as a member of the U.S. Gymnastics team. However, a few years back, during what was an exciting time in her career, there were some critics that were wrongfully focused on her hair and not her talents.
Years later, Gabby took to her Instagram account to open up about her hair journey, and also share the progress her hair as made throughout the years.
As she shared a photo of her natural hair, she said, “From the heart from a very young age I always had to put my hair in a tight ponytail to do gymnastics and due to that my hair became completely damaged. I had bald spots on the back of my head. I was so embarrassed and self-conscious that I put a bunch of clips over the spots to try and cover them up, but it was still noticeable.”
She continued, “My hair grew a little, but shortly after, I had to cut all of my hair off because it was so damaged. I cried and cried and cried. most days I didn’t even want to go to the gym because I felt so embarrassed that all my hair was gone. I used to think: why can’t I have healthy hair? despite yet another challenge, I kept going.”
Gabby recalled the criticism she received about her hair while competing in the Olympics and said, “Fast forward to both Olympics and my hair was the topic of conversation. Now here I am today – no extensions – no clip-ins – no wigs – no chemicals – all me.”
Back in 2016, during an interview, she became emotional as she was asked about the criticism she faced for her hair and the time when she didn’t place her hand over her heart during the National Anthem.
At that time she had said, “I tried to stay off the internet because there’s just so much negativity. Either it was about my hair or my hand not over my heart [on the medal podium] or I look depressed… It was hurtful. t was hurtful. It was. It’s been kind of a lot to deal with.”
Nonetheless, we are glad to see she is in a better space today.
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TSR STAFF: Jade Ashley @Jade_Ashley94
