Monday Morning Inspiration: Gabby Douglas

Congratulations to gymnast Gabrielle Douglas who last week secured her spot on the women’s US Olympics team after earning the highest score at the Olympic Trials in San Jose, Calif.

We love this quote from the talented 16-year-old who proves the power of self-confidence: “Everyone was telling me you have this great potential and you can be on top,” ESPN quoted Gabby as saying. “I didn’t believe that, but everyone was just telling me to believe in myself. I did and I’m kind of up on top and it’s amazing.”

Tumbling since toddler-hood, Gabby has earned the nickname “the Flying Squirrel” for her aerobatic uneven bar performances. Still, the competition was fierce during the recent four-day trial, with Gabby only edging out current world champion Jordyn Wieber by one tenth of a point after a dazzling floor routine.

But the competitors are still a team: Gabby and Jordyn will both be heading to London to compete at the Olympics as part of the American team in just three weeks along with Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney, Kyla Ross and alternates Sarah Finnegan, Elizabeth Price and Anna Li.

You can watch Gabby’s firecracker floor exercise routine at the 2012 Visa Championships here.