Emma’s Reviews > Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith > Status Update

One interesting fact is Gabby Douglas grew up in a poor family. Many celebrities that we hear about today are from a wealthy family or have had their fame handed down to them. The text says “I grew up in a family in which was barely getting by on the salary of my mother”(194). This quote shows that Gabby was not given her fame, she had to work for it, in which I found so interesting.

Gabby Douglas is Strong. She gave up everything to keep working and to train harder and harder everyday. Gabby was sick once before her qualifying meets and her parents told her to stay home for the few days she was sick. “No! I will not stop training until I get to the Olympic team and one I do I will train twice as hard.” This shows that Gabby is very strong and can powerthrough anything she’s passionant about.

Gabby Douglas is mentally strong. She pulled through tall of her rough time and mental blocks. She could not go to the collage she wanted to if she wanted to go pro so she had to make a huge decision. “I have had the hardest decisions of my life doing gymnastics but it looks like I’ve made the right ones”(138). She did not let these harsh moments get to her when she had to focus on gymnastics.

Gabrielle is passionate. She was willing to leave her family for 2 years to go live with another family so she could train professionally. “When I told my mom she thought it was a joke”(98). It took a lot of passion to do something like move away from your family. Her mother did not agree right away but it took time to get her to agree. This example shows that Gabrielle is passionate about gymnastics.

Gabrielle is very perservirent. If she messes up or can’t get a new skill she never gives up. She uses her mistakes to build on her skills. “What’s the point of practicing if your never put in the effort to do it.”(65). She says this because she practices so hard because she wants to reach her goals and she is passionate about Gymnastics.

Gabrielle was raised with 5 siblings and a poor family. Her mom and dad were trying to figure out what to do but they got divorced. All of the siblings quit their sports so that Gabby could fulfill her dreams of gymnastics. “We know how amazing you are Gabby. That’s why we are doing this.” (45) Her mother said it was okay and signed Gabby up for gymnastics. She was extremely exited for her first gymnastics practice.