Gabby Douglas Named To U.S. Olympic And Paralympic Hall Of Fame

Forbes

06-05-2025

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 02: Gabrielle Douglas of the United States reacts after he competes on the ... More balance beam in the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Individual All-Around final on Day 6 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena on August 2, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by) Getty Images
Olympic champion Gabby Douglas has been named to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame, as announced Tuesday by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). A three-time Olympic gold medalist, Douglas leads a star-studded 2025 induction class that includes iconic figures such as Serena Williams, Allyson Felix, Kerri Walsh Jennings, and legendary basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Douglas and her class will be officially inducted on Saturday, July 12. Hall of Fame classes are composed of five Olympians, three Paralympians, two legends, one Olympic team, one Paralympic team, one Olympic or Paralympic coach, and one special contributor.
The 2025 inductees are as follows: Steve Cash (Sled Hockey), Anita DeFrantz (Legend: Rowing), Allyson Felix (Track and Field), Susan Hagel (Para Archery, Para Track and Field), Flo Hyman (Legend: Indoor Volleyball), Kerri Walsh Jennings (Beach Volleyball), Mike Krzyzewski (Coach: Basketball), Phil Knight (Special Contributor: Nike Founder), Bode Miller (Alpine Skiing), Marla Runyan (Para Track and Field), Serena Williams (Tennis), and two teams: the 2010 Four-man Bobsled Team and the 2004 Women's Wheelchair Basketball Team. Forbes Simone Biles And Olivia Dunne Headlined The Kentucky Derby — Why It Mattered By Caroline Price
In order to be inducted, National Governing Bodies and members of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic communities must nominate individuals. 'All complete and eligible nominations are shared with the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Nominating Committee for consideration. The nominating committee then narrows down the field and selects the finalists for the hall of fame ballot,' the USOPC states.
Lastly, votes from members of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic families, National Governing Bodies and Team USA fans determine the finalists.
With her induction, Douglas becomes only the fourth female gymnast to enter the Hall of Fame, joining 1984 Olympic All-Around Champion Mary-Lou Retton, 7-time Olympic medalist Shannon Miller, and 2008 Olympic All-Around Champion Nastia Liukin.
Douglas burst onto the stage at the 2012 London Olympics, claiming the all-around gold medal over Russian favorite Viktoria Komova. She also led the U.S. women's team, dubbed the 'Fierce Five' to its first gold medal since the 1996 Olympic Games.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Mc Kayla Maroney, Jordyn Wieber, Gabrielle Douglas, Alexandra Raisman ... More and Kyla Ross of the United States celebrate after winning the gold medal in the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team final on Day 4 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena on July 31, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by) Getty Images
She mounted a comeback in 2015, successfully battling onto the 2015 World Championship and 2016 Olympic teams. In Rio de Janeiro, the defending Olympic all-around champion helped the U.S. women to their second consecutive team gold medal.
In addition to Douglas' remarkable competitive resume, she was also an inspiration and catalyst for the rise of African American involvement in a predominantly white sport.
The USOPC attests to Douglas' qualifications in a detailed biography:
"Gabby Douglas made history at the Olympic Games London 2012, becoming the first Black woman to win the all-around gold medal in gymnastics. A trailblazer and two-time Olympic team gold medalist (2012, 2016), Douglas also contributed to two world championship team titles, earning a total of six medals across the Olympic and world stages. She was the first U.S. gymnast to capture gold in both the all-around and team competitions at a single Olympic Games—a feat she achieved in London—and is one of only two American women to win back-to-back Olympic team golds.
At just 16 years old, Douglas broke barriers and redefined what was possible in the sport. Her groundbreaking achievements helped pave the way for future generations of gymnasts, including Simone Biles, who would go on to continue her legacy of excellence and representation on the global stage."
Prior to today's announcement, the USOPC Hall of Fame included one hundred and nineteen Olympians and Paralympians, 11 teams, five coaches, and 19 special contributors. In July, Douglas will officially join them. Forbes Olympic Gymnast Fred Richard Sets Guinness World Record By Caroline Price