“I’m hoping I can catch an accent,” said Douglas about traveling to London for the Olympics. “I’ve always wanted an accent.”
Douglas’ routine on the uneven bars helped her snag a spot on the U.S. team. Her routine on the bars is so effortless and dazzling that the U.S. women’s team coordinator, Martha Karolyi, has dubbed her the “Flying Squirrel.”
Wieber, Aly Raisman, Kyla Ross and McKayla Maroney will round out the team of five women, none of which are over the age of 18.
“This is a very strong team. I feel this team is even stronger than four years ago,” said Douglas’ coach, Liang Chow.
Douglas is quickly building a legion of fans and supporters who will carry her through her time in London. “Everyone was telling me you have this great potential and you’ll be on top,” said Douglas.
“I didn’t believe that everyone was just telling me to believe in myself. I did and I’m kind of up on top and it’s amazing.”
In related Olympics news, track and field stars Allyson Felix, Carmelita Jeter and Sanya Richards-Ross (all of whom are featured in July’s ESSENCE) are heading to the Olympics. The ladies were selected over the weekend to represent America in the track and field events.
Go team U.S.A.!
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