Focus on my medals, not my hair says Gabby Douglas
(Gregory Bull, The Associated Press)
Gabby Douglas sees nothing wrong with her hair - she's been styling it that way for years. But critics watching the double-gold winner weren't going to give her any medals for hairstyling. Social media lit up with comments about her messy ponytail.
"I don't know where this is coming from. What's wrong with my hair?" said the 16-year-old, according to the Associated Press.
Douglas, who is the first U.S. gymnast to win gold in team and all-around competition, added, "I'm like, 'I just made history and people are focused on my hair?' It can be bald or short, it doesn't matter about (my) hair."
Critics argue the gymnast should be sporting a tight bun, similar to the style worn by ballerinas.
Douglas uses gel, clips and a ponytail holder to prep her hair for competition - and, despite the critique on social media, she has no plans to change her performance look.
OMG...this poor 16 year old who is being effectively bullied for how her hair looks!!!!!!! Really??? Are people totally crazy? Gabby may be saying the right things...like....focus on my medals, not my hair, but I'm thinking that it still must hurt, and negative thoughts about herself will probably start to surface when she looks in the mirror and sees that hair that was maligned. Horrible. Should NEVER have happened....but the cowardly bullying continues. I'm appalled.
Posted by: M. Thompson | 08/06/2012 at 02:39 PM
I guess she won't have to worry about it until hairstyle becomes one of the criteria that they get scored on.
Until then, she can enjoy her well deserved Gold medal.
Posted by: ObamaBush | 08/06/2012 at 03:43 PM
That's nonsense. One of her USA teammates was wearing looser ponytails, no tightbuns. So were a couple of other all-around contenders.
Posted by: q | 08/06/2012 at 04:54 PM
Good for you Girl! Congratulations! Not only you are a Gold medalist, but you look great!
Barbara
Posted by: Barbara Osinski | 08/06/2012 at 05:04 PM
Who are you evil people who brought up your opinion of her Hair? She is so beautiful and her smile - wow- I think this constitutes cyber-bullying. She is so young and such a hard worker. Shame on you.
Posted by: Dora | 08/06/2012 at 07:33 PM
Gabby is a lovely girl and won a gold medal! That's the point! She can do whatever she want with her hair. What's the problem? These people who criticize her are ridiculous!
Posted by: v.persson | 08/06/2012 at 07:50 PM
we love your look Gabby! you go girl, forget those HATERS. Your simply the BEST and they can't take it. GO USA!
Posted by: Rosie Berrones | 08/06/2012 at 08:00 PM
Stuff the critics. Whether I or anyone else likes or dislikes her hair style is Immaterial. She won the gold and good for her. As long as she likes the way her hair looks, that's all that should count.
Posted by: Mike james | 08/06/2012 at 08:45 PM