Conference Call: Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas

On January 27, 2014, I participated in a conference call with two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas to talk about the upcoming Lifetime movie based on her life, “The Gabby Douglas Story,” which will air February 1, 2014, at 8pm ET/PT.

“The Gabby Douglas Story” chronicles the journey of Gabby Douglas (as a young girl, played by Sydney Mikayla, and as a teenager, played by Imani Hakim) who, with the guidance of her mother, Natalie Hawkins (Regina King), overcomes hardships to go on to win two gold medals in the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Gabby’s story is one of faith and belief in one’s self to overcome whatever life throws at you. It was inspiring to listen to her words of wisdom, especially since she just turned 18. You can hear in the way she presents herself how much of an influence her mom is, which is one of the main themes in the movie.

She spoke about what it was like to suddenly find herself on cereal boxes and magazines. She tried stay true to herself, as well as find ways to be a normal teen every now and then.

I hope you enjoy reading this transcript as much as I enjoyed participating in the call.

Below are my questions, followed by the remaining questions and answers from the call.

 

 

Operator: Our next question comes form the line of Greg Staffa with Your Entertainment Corner. Please proceed.

 

Greg Staffa: Hi Gabby. Thanks for taking our call today. Saw the movie and enjoyed a lot.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Glad you enjoyed it.

 

Greg Staffa: You – Gabby now has become almost a brand. She’s – your Lifetime movie, you’re on cereal boxes, you’re everywhere. How do you separate Gabby the person from Gabby the brand? How much input do you have in on how you’re marketed and what you appear on and don’t appear on and what is it that you use to keep yourself grounded as much as you are? You’ve done more than many adults have done and yet you seem very grounded. What’s that piece that keeps you focused?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Well I’m really blessed to have such a supportive family I do and they definitely keep me grounded. My sisters, my brother, my mom, we were just raised up just being humble and my mom taught us to never forget where you came from.

 

So my mom definitely I’d have to say raised us well and my faith also keeps me grounded and humble and I think it’s all sorts of things. Gymnastics, it keeps me humble too, down to earth because I realize when I start getting cocky and being like yes I can do this, I start messing up more. So in gymnastics you have to be very disciplined. So it’s all the different sorts of things that keep my head from being too blown up.

 

Greg Staffa: You focus on this a little bit in the movie that you wanted to be normal. Is there one thing that if you could just pull that one moment you could go back and live as a regular young woman, you know, prom? Is there anything you miss or has it all been worth the sacrifices to accomplish what you’ve accomplished?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: It’s all been worth the sacrifice and my mom also taught me and my siblings too about perspective. I used to get mad when I didn’t go school shopping. I’m like, “Why am I not going school shopping or picking out school outfits?” and my mom was like, “Gabrielle, not everyone gets to go Italy for a competition” and I’m like you know what, you’re so right.

 

So I had to change my perspective and people invite me to proms or homecoming dances so I get to feel like normal. I get to experience what the prom life is like or me and my friends hang out at the mall or have sleepovers so I sort of – when I was younger I was like well, I kind of want to be normal but when I – growing up I realized that I kind of get to experience both sides.

 

Greg Staffa: Very interesting. Again I enjoyed the movie and I look forward to seeing about you in the years to come.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you so much.

 

Greg Staffa: Thank you.

 

———————————————————————————————

SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT

January 27, 2014

1:00 pm CT

 

Operator:              And our first question comes from the line of Jamie.

 

Jamie: Hi, it’s such a pleasure to speak with you and honor.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Hi, thank you.

 

Jamie: What were your first reactions when you were approached to do a film about your life?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: When I was approached to do a film about my life story I said yes because you know, it’s kind of different from the book. You actually get to see the challenges and the struggles and my life story and in movies so I was like absolutely. It sounded like a very amazing opportunity so my family and I said yes. And during the whole movie it was a really cool and fun process.

 

They had to pick the younger siblings and then the older siblings so it was really cool. I got to see a gymnastic set and it was just like the competition like a (Visa) championship to a podium, you know, competition. So it was really fun but I never thought a movie would come out about my life story.

 

Jamie: What did you find challenging about this? Was it learning how to act or was it being in the moment?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Hello?

 

Jamie: Can you hear me?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Yes. What was the last…

 

Jamie: I was asking you what did you find challenging about this role. Was it learning to act or was it just having to be in the moment?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Actually I didn’t play me. Someone else portrayed me.

 

Jamie: Okay. I thought that you were starring in this as yourself a little bit as well.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Yes. I appear in the beginning of the movie.

 

Jamie: Okay. But you didn’t have to study any lines or anything for the role?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: No.

 

Jamie: Well what is it that you’d like to say to everyone who has become such a big fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Everyone who has been a fan, I’d have to say thank you guys so much. It’s definitely been an amazing journey and I have to thank my fans for the support and for the loving and caring and always being there and them being true to themselves. I’m so glad to have this platform to tell them that you can achieve anything that you in life that you want to achieve. I just tell them just to believe in themselves.

 

Jamie: Thank you.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you.

 

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of David.

 

David: Thank you, hi Gabrielle. I saw the movie last week. I enjoyed it. It must be really cool and gratifying to have a film about your life, am I right?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Yes.

 

David: Yes. How involved were you behind the scenes? Did you get to be involved in casting who’s playing you? Did you get to advise them on points of your life or how to do certain tumbles, certain gymnastic moves or were you sort of just like a spectator that put together your story for you?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: You know, I was pretty much involved. Me and my mom were involved. Lifetime kept us in the loop with everything. They would send us the script, what do you think or they’d send us who was portraying us and they’d send me (Imani)’s line. She’d do some lines on camera and they’d send them over to us to see how she’d act and we said yes. Yes, we were kept in the loop and went on the set and I’d give my input about how this move would, you know, be done or how this competition would be. For the most part they had it right too so, you know, we were pretty much in the loop.

 

David: Okay. And what did you think of the performances of the actresses playing you both athletic and as actors?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: As actors and you know as athletes I thought they did an amazing job. (Sydney), the character who played the younger Gabby Douglas — the younger version of me — I thought she did an excellent job. She was flipping everywhere, tumbling. She was so bubbly and energetic and I was definitely like that when I was very young.

 

And also the older (Imani), she played a very well version of me when I was older. I kind of took life a little bit too seriously when she played well and then at the end I started to become very open and just very outgoing.

 

David: Okay. Thank you so much. I’ll let some other people ask questions.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Yes, thank you.

 

David: Thanks.

 

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Debbie.

 

Debbie: Hi Gabby. It’s so great to talk with you.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Hello, you too.

 

Debbie: I see you had such an amazing experience with you in (pics). It was such a life changing time in your life. How’d you feel about (pics) being in first this year? Would you go? Would it change your opinion about…

 

Gabrielle Douglas: You’re kind of breaking up a little.

 

Debbie: Can you hear me?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Yes.

 

Debbie: If you had (unintelligible) in (pics) now – I understand it’s the Winter Olympics but would it – the location in (unintelligible) concern you at all with all the security issues?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I’m not going to (unintelligible).

 

Debbie: (Unintelligible).

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Yes. You’re saying would it concern me?

 

Debbie: Yes.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: You know, they said something about like if you stay in the village (unintelligible) you’re not allowed to leave but I wouldn’t be worried and focus on, you know, all that. I’d just be worried – I’d just be focused on what I had to do in (unintelligible) and just be focused on my events and stuff.

 

Debbie: So you just – you done anything like that, (unintelligible)?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: No. You had to just – even in the environment we’re trained to adapt and we’re trained to not to focus on what the world says out there or if it’s not safe or if it’s not too – such a comfortable environment. We’re just focused on how to adapt and how to, you know, deliver at that right moment.

 

Debbie: So you think (unintelligible) do everything to make sure all the athletes and their competitors are safe?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: What was that?

 

Debbie: You think they’ll do everything they can to make sure all the athletes and competitors are safe?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Yes. I think they’ll do what they need to keep their athletes safe and comfortable.

 

Debbie: Are you going to be hoping to go to Rio in 2016?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Yes. I’m training right now and everything’s going smoothly and hopefully I’ll be competing by this year and yes, the main goal is 2016.

 

Debbie: Cool. Thank you so much and I can’t wait to see the movie.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you.

 

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Bill.

 

Bill: Hi Gabby. How are you doing today?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Hi, good. How are you?

 

Bill: I’m good, thank you. I’m curious if there’s anything from your book that you would’ve liked to see in the movie that didn’t make it.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I think it’s like – it’s very different because – no not really because the movie and the book kind of, you know, kind of save each other but then the movie kind of has a little bit more like, you know, intense parts. You actually get to see how we were living in the beginning and how everything was. But I’m really satisfied with the movie, how it came out.

 

Bill: Okay. Now that you’re seeing behind the scenes and the inner workings — I know you did a little bit of acting — do you have a desire to go into this field after your athletic career is over?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Sure. Yes, acting is fun. I’ve gone to a couple TV shows and I’d definitely want to pursue it.

 

Bill: Okay. And we just celebrated the Grammys in the best of music and I’m just curious if there’s a favorite song or songs that you’re listening to on your training now. What are you listening to that works for you well while you’re training?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I like upbeat music. I like to listen to Katy Perry or Beyonce or Taylor Swift.

 

Bill: Terrific. Can you sing?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Sometimes.

 

Bill: Okay, thank you very much. I appreciate your time.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you.

 

Bill: Bye-bye.

 

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Kelly.

 

Kelly: Hi Gabby.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Hi.

 

Kelly: I wanted to know a little bit about you as a person so can you tell me about your faith journey, kind of when you became a Christian and how that relationship with God has impacted both your life and your gymnastics.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: You know, faith plays a big role in my life and it started when I was very young. My mom used to – she involved my siblings and I into, you know – she introduced us into the Bible and about Jesus and it’s been a part of my life for such a long time. It plays a big role in my life and we do Bible studies and if you watch the Olympics footage or any footage and you can see my mouth moving, that’s me praying. I always have to pray before a competition or before I’m about to compete.

 

Kelly: So when you’re praying and you’re prepping for the competition what’s your conversation look like with God? Are you praying for gold? Are you praying for no injuries?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Kind of both. I just pray that I have a good routine and it’s a flowed and safe routine and, you know, all my skills are just beautiful and are exquisite, that kind of thing.

 

Kelly: And you had mentioned before that you said (unintelligible) being bullied or kind of having some hard times. What advice would you give to somebody who maybe feels defeated or feels like others are trying to hold them down to make themselves be better?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I would – if they’re being bullied I’d tell them to speak up, tell an adult or a friend and if you feel like you’ve been defeated just keep going. And I know that may sound like, “What, keep going? But I’m so down.”

 

I had a point in my life when I had my ups and downs and six months out before the Olympics I wanted to quit because I was at my lowest point and I was homesick and things in the gym were getting really hard for me since it was pressed time – it was a pressed downtime because of the Olympics and I wanted to quit and work at Chic-Fil-A or do another sport. But it was my foundation that kept me on track of saying hey, please don’t give up. So guys if you feel defeated keep going. You don’t want to look back and have regrets. Just keep pushing through and you guys can do it.

 

Kelly: Nice, that’s good advice. And then one last question, with the book and the movie and other appearances that you do, why do you feel a responsibility or an importance in sharing your story with others?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I just want them to see of course yes, my life story but I want them to see that things are possible. And I went through some things in my life that were very difficult and I went through struggles and I want them to see that it is possible. And if they’re going through something in their life I want them to know that they can overcome it.

 

Kelly: Nice. Well thank you for taking the time today.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you.

 

Operator: Our next question comes from the line Amy.

 

Amy: Good morning Gabrielle.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Good morning.

 

Amy: I wanted to go back to the faith part for just a moment. I know it’s a big part of your life and it’s come up in interviews and articles and things like that elsewhere but I felt that your faith was absent from the majority of the film. Do you see it that way or have any comment on that?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I think in the film or the end of the film – not really. You know, in real life it’s still there but in the movie I think it’s really focused on my life story.

 

Amy: Okay.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I don’t really feel like it’s distant.

 

Amy: Okay. What about the bullying issue? In the film we see the actress portraying you explaining that your mom had told you to let her know if anybody had ever said anything and later she asked her mother about her nose. But otherwise you really don’t see any concerns about bullying or any of the issues regarding your hair or other things that you commented on in other interviews. Any thoughts on why the bullying didn’t play a major part in the movie?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Well I explained on it a couple of times in the media and I – or me and my mom and, you know, people that were in the loop with the movie, we just felt like we didn’t want to touch on it again because it’s like the movie’s something more like the challenges and the difficulties and we didn’t want to put the hair issue in there because we really weren’t focused on what people had to say about my hair. It was, you know, the road to London.

 

Amy: Okay, that’s wonderful. And then last question, did you donate any personal items to the film like posters from your bedroom or leotards that we saw the actress wear or any other props?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I don’t know if I donated any personal things.

 

Amy: Okay. Well thank you so much for taking some time.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you.

 

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Shaun.

 

Shaun: Hi there, are you Gabby?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Good. How are you?

 

Shaun: I’m fine, thank you. Actually several of my questions have already been answered so I’m going to ask you about this Superbowl job that you have coming up. You’re going to be working for Inside Edition. That’s going to be new territory for you, huh?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Yes.

 

Shaun: All right. Tell us a little bit about that. How do you prepare for that kind of a gig and are you nervous at all?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Yes. I’m a correspondent for Inside Edition for the Superbowl and I’m really excited because I’m a really big fan of football. I’m just a little sad that my team didn’t make it but it’s all good, maybe next year. I’m a Patriots fan.

 

Shaun: Okay.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: But I’m going to be – I’m on the field and I’m going to have such a fun time. This is going to be my first time at the Superbowl. It’s going to be so different because I’ve always been sitting at home watching it so it’s going to be just different but I’m really excited about it.

 

Shaun: How do you prepare for something like that?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I don’t know. I’m just going to be myself and just enjoy my time out on the field.

 

Shaun: Do you have any predictions for the game?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: No.

 

Shaun: No, okay. And then one last thing here, there’s been for the last – I think it’s almost two years. There’s been this constant buzz about will she or won’t she ever do Dancing With the Stars. I know you said you wanted to do it. What’s the holdup? Have they not invited you or is it a time scheduling thing?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: It’s kind of a scheduling thing. I’m training now so it’s kind of difficult to do something on the side because training is what I’m focused on really right now.

 

Shaun: Okay. But it is something you’d like to do down the road?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Yes.

 

Shaun: Okay, all right, great. Thank you so much.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you.

 

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Tim.

 

Tim: Hi Gabby. How are you doing today?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Good. How are you?

 

Tim: I’m doing well, thank you. I was kind of interested in how you were first approached about doing this TV movie.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Well I think they approached my mom or my agent, my manager and then my mom told me that Lifetime wanted to do a movie and we all agreed and said yes.

 

Tim: Okay, that’s pretty exciting.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Yes. It was really exciting and, you know, it’s a great opportunity to see my life on film. It’s really cool but at the same time it’s a little overwhelming.

 

Tim: I’m a really big fan of Regina King and I know that she’s going to be playing the part of your mother. What was it like meeting her?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: She is amazing. She’s such a doll and she played my mom so well. Me and my sister were joking around, “Mom she even played a better you.” That’s how we were saying she did. She did a fantastic job portraying my mom and she was definitely on point.

 

Tim: And then I just wanted to ask you a couple questions about the Olympics. The Winter games are going to be starting pretty soon and I was just kind of interested in what events are you most looking forward to seeing.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I’m really looking forward to seeing figure skating.

 

Tim: Okay. And another question is what was it like standing on the podium when you were accepting your gold medal because that’s something a lot of us will only be able to dream of ever accomplishing.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: It was truly such an honor to stand on the podium and all I could think about was the effort in the gym, determination and sacrifice that me and my family have put in the gym. It finally paid off.

 

Tim: Okay. Well I thank you for your time Gabby. I hope you have a nice day.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you, you too.

 

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Sherita.

 

Sherita: Hi Gabby. How are you?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Good. How are you?

 

Sherita: I’m doing good. I just want to first say it’s such a pleasure to speak with you. My youngest daughter, she’s five years old and her name is Gabrielle and she was also born on December 31. So she’s (unintelligible) right next you.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Wow.

 

Sherita: Yes, it’s crazy and she feels a great connection with you. She has your book. She just – she really looks up to you so this is truly an honor for me and I really want you to know I’m just thankful to talk to you.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you. Tell her I said hi.

 

Sherita: I will, I will. But I did want to ask you and it’s mainly of course because I am a mother and I see how much my daughter really looks up to you and just knowing that you are the first to do what you’ve done as a young black woman, as a woman of color. Has it sunk in, just the magnitude of what you’ve accomplished in your life at such a young age?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I think it’s still sinking in but – I’m sorry, go ahead.

 

Sherita: No you’re fine, go ahead.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Hello?

 

Sherita: I’m sorry. I thought you (unintelligible). Sorry about that.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: No it’s okay.

 

Sherita: So you said it’s still sinking in at this point?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Yes. When I was at the Olympics and I had won, a lot of people were saying it’s not going to sink in until you get back home. And when I got back home I think at that point it was still sinking in because I had a lot of fans and media and it was just amazing of all the people that were there and rooting for me and it was an incredible feeling. And I think it’s really going to sink in when I’m a little bit older and I see the impact I fully made.

 

Sherita: Right, right. So when people see this movie on Lifetime and they get to, you know, experience your story and all of the emotion and the passion that lies in it, what do you hope that they walk away with? Is it inspiration or, you know, what’s the message you hope that resonates with people?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I just hope that they’ll become inspired and motivated in their own lives and to think okay if she can do it then I can do it. If she can overcome the obstacles that she overcame then I can, you know, overcome this one in my life and I’m going to go after my dream and achieve my goals and I won’t let anything or anyone stop me. So I just want them to be inspired.

 

Sherita: Wow that’s beautiful. So you definitely seem to have a very level head and even a wisdom to you about what you’re doing and what you’re passionate about and so I’m interested to see what was maybe something you consider as the best piece of advice that someone gave to you and who was the person who gave it to you.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I think my brother and my mom. I remember when I was at my lowest point and I wanted to quit, work at Chic-Fil-A fast food restaurant or enjoy a different sport and they told me just to keep fighting and just don’t give up. And my mom, I remember my mom saying I don’t want you to have regret. I don’t want you to come home and be sitting on the couch and be watching the Olympics and say I wish I would’ve been there.

 

Sherita: Wow.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: She’d just say just stick it out. Just push through and you can do it. And hey, if I didn’t make it at least we could all say we gave it our best shot.

 

Sherita: Right, right. And it was – your best shot was the money shot. So I’m interested or curious to know why Chic-Fil-A? Was there a particular reason why you say Chic-Fil-A?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: They have good sandwiches. They have really good food.

 

Sherita: They do. I love them. So I know there was a journalist (Unintelligible) earlier about you being an Inside Edition correspondent. Congratulations on that.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you.

 

Sherita: (Unintelligible) so you’re two years out now from one of the greatest accomplishments of your life. What direction do you want to go in now? It seems like corresponding is definitely an opportunity but is there anywhere that you want to go in particular from here, any type of industry that you want to venture into?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I think right now I’m really focusing on training. I really want to compete by this year and hopefully you guys will see me. And I know my main goal is in the Olympics 2016 in Brazil so I’m training really hard for that. That’s one of my main targets right now.

 

Sherita: Got you. Okay I’m going to close on my last question. You know, we get to see the glory of all of your hard work. We get to see the end results but it’s not very often that people really understand what goes into your training and what it takes to be able to go out there and do what you do and do it well, exceptionally well. So can you give some type of insight into what your training – the training routine is like and you know, just maybe how often you train even?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: You’re so right because people don’t see any training or training sessions. They only see out on the competition floor where a beautiful masterpiece, a beautiful routine, a beautiful (unintelligible), you know, makeup. But you know, behind the scenes there’s a lot that goes in. I do six days a week. I have Sundays off and I do about four to six hours in the gym depending on what day it is because sometimes my gym schedule is different each day. And man, it’s just intense. A lot of numbers, doing it over and over and over again, it’s just challenging in the gym and it’s very tough.

 

Sherita: Wow. Well I definitely commend you. I don’t even like running so (unintelligible). I definitely continue to wish you well and please know we’re definitely a family that’s supporting and loving on you and wish you the best in all that you do.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you so much.

 

Sherita: No problem. Have a good day.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: You too.

 

Operator: Our next question comes form the line of Greg Staffa with Your Entertainment Corner. Please proceed.

 

Greg Staffa: Hi Gabby. Thanks for taking our call today. Saw the movie and enjoyed a lot.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Glad you enjoyed it.

 

Greg Staffa: You – Gabby now has become almost a brand. She’s – your Lifetime movie, you’re on cereal boxes, you’re everywhere. How do you separate Gabby the person from Gabby the brand? How much input do you have in on how you’re marketed and what you appear on and don’t appear on and what is it that you use to keep yourself grounded as much as you are? You’ve done more than many adults have done and yet you seem very grounded. What’s that piece that keeps you focused?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Well I’m really blessed to have such a supportive family I do and they definitely keep me grounded. My sisters, my brother, my mom, we were just raised up just being humble and my mom taught us to never forget where you came from.

 

So my mom definitely I’d have to say raised us well and my faith also keeps me grounded and humble and I think it’s all sorts of things. Gymnastics, it keeps me humble too, down to earth because I realize when I start getting cocky and being like yes I can do this, I start messing up more. So in gymnastics you have to be very disciplined. So it’s all the different sorts of things that keep my head from being too blown up.

 

Greg Staffa: You focus on this a little bit in the movie that you wanted to be normal. Is there one thing that if you could just pull that one moment you could go back and live as a regular young woman, you know, prom? Is there anything you miss or has it all been worth the sacrifices to accomplish what you’ve accomplished?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: It’s all been worth the sacrifice and my mom also taught me and my siblings too about perspective. I used to get mad when I didn’t go school shopping. I’m like, “Why am I not going school shopping or picking out school outfits?” and my mom was like, “Gabrielle, not everyone gets to go Italy for a competition” and I’m like you know what, you’re so right.

 

So I had to change my perspective and people invite me to proms or homecoming dances so I get to feel like normal. I get to experience what the prom life is like or me and my friends hang out at the mall or have sleepovers so I sort of – when I was younger I was like well, I kind of want to be normal but when I – growing up I realized that I kind of get to experience both sides.

 

Greg Staffa: Very interesting. Again I enjoyed the movie and I look forward to seeing about you in the years to come.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you so much.

 

Greg Staffa: Thank you.

 

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Susan.

 

Susan: Hello?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Hi.

 

Susan: Hello?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Yes.

 

Susan: Hi, sorry. Yes hi, sorry about that. First of all I just want to say thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I’m a huge fan and I enjoyed the movie a lot. It was really inspiring. And I really enjoyed the quote “Today should always be better than yesterday.” Is that something – your mom would actually say that to you guys?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Yes. She used to tell us back to the quote to Scriptures.

 

Susan: How do you live by that quote today?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: How do I live by that quote today?

 

Susan: Yes. How do you stay so positive everyday? What keeps you going?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I live by that quote because I feel like, you know, yes the day before or today should be better than the day before and I use that in gym a lot. It’s just motivation that keeps me going. You have to find something that motivates you, that drives you to, you know, want to do the thing that you love. The Olympics is driving me to in the gym and bust my butt every single day in the gym, just give 100%.

 

Susan: It was so amazing watching the support that your family gave. That was so touching and I’m sure that was amazing. How has life changed for you and your family since winning the gold medals?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Wow. Life has changed so much for us and we’re just so blessed and so honored. I’m really honored that they could be a part of this journey too and life is just different. It changed so fast. Everyone – and the world was like who is Gabby Douglas and then I won the Olympics and it was like an overnight celebrity thing. It was just like who was Gabby Douglas to wow, everyone knowing who Gabby Douglas is so it’s like wow. I never thought it’d happen so fast.

 

Susan: Yes. Did your family – because I feel like they believed so much in you and was it ever I told you so coming from them afterwards?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Yes. They – not I told you so but they believed in me and even when I didn’t believe in me they believed in me and I had to really believe in myself and believe that I could do it. But at the end yes, they were kind of like see, we told you. You have to believe in yourself and yes, it was great, just having people around you that believe in yourself when you don’t and they inspired me to believe in myself.

 

Susan: And finally I thought one great impression of you is watching the montage while the Hall of Fame is going on. It’s so empowering just seeing all the work you’re going through really quickly. If you could choose any song to be the soundtrack of your life at any moment of your life what song would you pick?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I think I’d pick – Sitting In The Hall Of Fame is a good one and I’d pick Girl on Fire.

 

Susan: That’s really (unintelligible) of you as well. Thank you again so much for your time and again congratulations on all your success.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you. Have a good day.

 

Susan: You too.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thanks, bye.

 

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Jessica.

 

Jessica: Hi Gabby.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Hi.

 

Jessica: Hey. I just want to know what are some challenges that you face in your life that aren’t depicted in film?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Some of the challenges?

 

Jessica: Yes.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Some of the challenges with me when I was growing up, at one point my family and I were homeless. I had to move away at 14 years old to go to Iowa to train with a very special coach I saw on TV and injuries, just competing on injuries or training on injuries.

 

Jessica: And you made this comment earlier but you’ve accomplished so much already at such a young age. What are some of your goals moving forward?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you. Some of my goals are just to keep competing and just still being in the world of gymnastics, keep training. And one of my main goals this year is to compete this year and yes, that’s one of my main goals. I just want to be back out there and back at it again.

 

Jessica: And you said you were training for 2016 Olympics. What would say is the most important thing that you’ve learned from the last Olympics that you’re kind of taking with you?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I’ve learned just to keep going even though when the days are really hard in the gym. I still have to take that in. When I’m having a really hard day I have to, you know, learn how to keep pushing through because if I can get through that one day — that hard day — then on the easiest day it’d be so easy so I have to keep reminding myself to just keep pushing through.

 

Jessica Strata: (Unintelligible). So what would you say has been the most rewarding experience that you kind of – that’s happened to you since the Olympics?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: It’s so hard to pick a favorite because all the opportunities that I’ve done or experienced, it’s just been so fun for me. It’s been a blast and I’m super excited about being a correspondent for Inside Edition. I’m very excited about that.

 

Jessica: Great. Well thank you so much for your time.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you.

 

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Phyllis.

 

Phyllis: Hi Gabby. How are you?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Good. How are you?

 

Phyllis: Fine, thank you. I just wanted to say there are so many young girls who’ve taken interest in gymnastics after you and your team did so well at the Olympics. It shows such drive and inspiration. When you get a chance to meet some of the young girls that want to be gymnasts and want to go to the Olympics what are the main things they ask you?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Some ask me do have any advice on the backhand spring or some say you’ve inspired me. Some moms would say you inspired my daughter to keep going.

 

Phyllis: That’s great. And then I was just curious about your medals. I imagine that everywhere you go people want to see them and I just to know where you keep them and do you take them out at parties to show everybody or (unintelligible)?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: No, I don’t take them to parties because they’re kind of heavy and if I wear both of them they kind of like cling together and once in a while I’ll take them out and look at them and be like wow but I just kind of leave them in the boxes because I just don’t want them – the ribbon to fray or if I drop it I don’t want it to break but I do look at them every once in a while.

 

Phyllis: Great. And then also someone had asked you a little bit about your training but is there one root team or something that you’re working on more than the others or anything training for 2016 or have you got that far ahead yet?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: No. I’m working on all four events like normal.

 

Phyllis: That’s great. Well thank you so much. I’m really proud of you and looking forward to you doing it again.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you so much.

 

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Katie.

 

Katie: Hi Gabby.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Hi.

 

Katie: How are you?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Good. How are you?

 

Katie: I’m well, thank you. Thank you for having us today.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: No problem, thank you.

 

Katie: A lot of questions that I had have already been answered but I do have one remaining one.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Okay.

 

Katie: First congrats on everything. A lot has happened that I know that it’s probably changed your life and you know, it’s really good to see that being so young you’re still so humble and it’s just inspiring for me as an adult and for kids growing up that look up to you so thank you for that.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you.

 

Katie: I have a question because I know that Lifetime is launching a contest inviting schools to take part in the Gabby Douglas Raise the Bar Pledge. And I think it’s a great initiative and I just wanted to know how did it become about? Was it something that you thought of that you thought would be great or – I’m just a little curious about how this came about because it’s such a great idea and I think it’s going to get a lot of kids involved, push themselves to really go after what they want in life, what they want to be, what they want to do.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Well first of all the title Raising the Bar is very powerful because it also – that also – in life you want to raise the bar and it pertains to life in general. And we thought it’d be a great idea people could also raise the bar in their life so I think that’s how the pledge came about.

 

Katie: I think it sounds – it just excites me which is all about kids doing better in schools especially because I have a six year old and her attention span is very small so kids, you know, on track and on their way, I think it’s awesome. But yes, I know some people are trying to get to you before we end and I just want to say thank you and congratulations.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you so much.

 

Katie: You’re welcome.

 

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Delaina.

 

Delaina: Hey Gabby. How you doing?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Good. How are you?

 

Delaina: I’m fine. So obviously you’re wearing costumes when you’re competing in the Olympics or other things but I wanted to know a little bit more about your personal fashion style. What do you wear when you’re not in the gym working out or you’re out there winning gold medals? What do you like to jump into? What’s your favorite style?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I’m really getting into crop top shirts with a skirt or long skirts with a short sleeve top or I do tank tops or long sleeve shirts with jeans or combat boots.

 

Delaina: Do you have a favorite brand that you usually turn to?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I love BCBG or BB’s.

 

Delaina: (Unintelligible) and what about starting the Gabby Douglas brand of clothing for say, K-mart of Target or something like that? Has it ever crossed your mind?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: That is a great idea and yes, I just ponder on those things like what if I can have a fashion line or some other line. Yes those thoughts have definitely crossed my mind.

 

Delaina: I love that. I’m wondering about (Imani) playing you on screen. Did you get a chance to talk to her and tell her about your personality so she could really capture you? Did you share any pet peeves or some of your stranger habits?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I did. We texted and talked on the phone. She was asking questions like how do you want me to really capture you in the movie in the (unintelligible) and I just said – gave her some pointers, a couple tips. So we chatted back and forth.

 

Delaina: What was the strangest tip you gave her about yourself?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I don’t think there was really any strange tips.

 

Delaina: Say that again. I’m sorry.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I said there weren’t really any strange tips.

 

Delaina: Anything unusual? Did you tell her anything about your personality? I know you mentioned earlier – you said at the beginning you were kind of closed in and introverted but by the end you had opened up.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Right, yes.

 

Delaina: Did you share that with her about your own personality?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Yes and she watched interviews that I’ve done and she was just – see how I would act and I was very bubbly but I also told her I’m kind of serious – when I was in the elite world I took myself seriously but when I was older I started to realize just have fun and enjoy, enjoy the competition.

 

Delaina: I like that. And speaking of the competition, going back 2016 do you feel any pressure to defend your title or how are you going into it? What’s your mindset?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: My mindset is I’m not Gabby Douglas. I’m not the 2012 – I’m not a big champion in my mind. I’m just going to think I’m another girl vying on that spot for 2016 and I’m just another girl competing for USA and hopefully I’ll do the best that I can. But I’m just going into it with that mindset, just being humble and grounded.

 

Delaina: I love that. And my last question, since we brought up proms and things like that, do you have a celebrity crush that maybe you can meet while you’re working as a correspondent?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: That’s a good question. Well I don’t know if you all know but my sort of crush is Ian Somerhalder but I sort of like Dave Franco.

 

Delaina: Ian Somerhalder and who was the next person?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Dave Franco.

 

Delaina: Dave Franco?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Yes.

 

Delaina: I’m going to have to do some research on that one.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: He’s James Franco’s brother.

 

Delaina: Girl, nice choice. I like them both.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Well thank you.

 

Delaina: Well best of luck with everything, great talking with you.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you, you too.

 

Delaina: Okay.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Bye.

 

Operator: Our next question comes from the line of Christina.

 

Christina: Hey Gabby. Thanks so much for your time this morning.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you.

 

Christina: First of all I want to let you know that I’m a really big fan and also a huge fan of Chic-Fil-A so I totally hear you.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: (Unintelligible).

 

Christina: Yes, it’s amazing. So I’m writing for a teenage audience and I have one more faith related question for you because I know that you went through a lot of trials both personally and as an athlete and it can be easy to kind of doubt God’s plan during those times. And a lot of teams, even if they’re not in athletics, have a lot of doubts about where their life is headed. So what would you say to someone who is doubting God’s plan for their life?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I’d say don’t doubt and trust. I had to stop with the what-ifs. I’m like what if I don’t make it? What if – I had to stop with that and just believe. If you just trust and believe then everything’s going to be okay. If we doubt and if we fear it’s going to happen because on the beam and – so I’m on the beam and I’m thinking my gosh, what if I fall? I’m going to fall. Then I’m going to fall because I’m thinking it. I would tell those teams just don’t doubt and just believe.

 

Christina: Awesome. And did you ever face any opposition or ridicule in practicing your faith as an athlete and then what advice would you give to someone who does face opposition?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: What do you mean?

 

Christina: Has anyone ever made fun of you for your belief in God or for praying or anything?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Not that I’ve really come across. A lot of people have been really coming up to me and thank you for saying all the stuff that you did about your faith and if someone’s going through that then I’d tell them pay no mind to that person who’s making fun of you. Keep to your own residual and whatever works for you just keep doing it and who knows? Maybe down the road if that team is praying they can inspire other teams to pray or say motivational things to help them.

 

Christina: Awesome. Thank you so much Gabby. I really appreciate it.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you.

 

Operator: Okay. We’ve got a few follow up questions. The next one is from the line of Kelly.

 

Kelly: Yes hi Gabby. When you were talking earlier about some of the challenges that you had to face I’m curious. When you decided to leave your home at 14 and moved to Iowa (unintelligible) to train, what went into this decision and how did it affect you then mentally moving forward?

 

Was it something that you – a decision you did on your own, you made with your parents? And when you were away from them and training did that give you motivation to keep moving forward or did you feel like this pressure that you’re the golden child from your family and if you fail you’re going to think you’re a failure?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: No, moving to Iowa was my decision and I was so ready to go because I was like I’m ready for a new chapter. I’m really excited. I get to train with this coach that I’ve been wanting to train with and I was so ecstatic about moving and about the new journey. But then when I got there I realized, I was like my goodness, what did I do?

 

My family’s not here. My siblings aren’t here and I was really sad and I just had to come to my senses that it was my choice because I wanted to quit and I remember just crying and crying every single day for a couple months. And I said to myself I have to suck it up because I made this decision and if I want to go to the Olympics I’m going to have to push it. If I want my dream to become my reality I’m really going to have to go 100% in the gym. I didn’t think about failing or falling or what if I family thinks I’m a failure. My family is supportive all the way.

 

If I’d mess up they would comfort me and still be loving and supporting. And in gymnastics you can’t really think about the negative side. You always have to think what came out of it, the positive note.

 

Kelly: And then I understand at that time you lived with a host family. How did that come about and did they share your same beliefs? Did that make it easier and then what’s your relationship like with that host family today?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: We still talk and we’re very close. And they actually reached out to us, not knowing but – wait I’m sorry. They reached out to (Chao) and (Chao) reached out to us saying there’s a host family. They often open up a home so we went with them and it was such a blessing that they opened up their home that I could stay there. And they’re believers too so it did make it easier because I could just pull out my Bible or we went to church on Sundays. I had so much fun with that family and with the girls. I’m so glad that they could be a part of the journey.

 

Kelly Gillespie: Nice, thank you.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you.

 

Operator: Our next question is a follow up question from the line of Jamie.

 

Jamie: Hi, pleasure speaking with you again.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thanks, you too.

 

Jamie: You have so many great fans on Twitter and social media sites. Why is it such an important place for you to connect with your fans?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I think it’s so important for me to connect with my fans to tell them or share with them some advice or just to keep them in the loop. Like if they’re okay, what’s Gabby doing? I love to chat with them on social media or if they’re through something in their life I can help them.

 

Jamie: And we of course mentioned that you’ve gotten many offers from fans to go to proms and things like that and you apparently have one devoted fan, (name removed), who’s really excited to take you out. Is that something you’d be interested in? Do you see yourself, possibly dating a fan in the future?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Wow that’s a good question. I have no clue. I don’t know. I can’t answer that one.

 

Jamie: He’s really adamant about taking you out so you have some great fans. Is there anything that you’d like to leave them with one impression after watching this movie? What is the message you’d really like them to take from it?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I would really love for them to take away just to be motivated in their life and say hey, if she can do it then I can do it. And if they’re trying to overcome something in their life I want them to see that it’s possible. You can overcome these challenges and still fight for your dreams and go after your goals.

 

Jamie: Great. Thank you so much for being such an inspiration. I’m proud of you.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you. Thank you so much.

 

(Moderator): Gabrielle is there anything you want to add before we do conclude? Do you feel like there’s anything that wasn’t asked you want to address?

 

Gabrielle Douglas: I think I’m good.

 

(Moderator): All right, cool. Well thank you so much for spending some time with everyone.

 

Gabrielle Douglas: Thank you guys.

 

(Moderator): No problem. do you want to conclude the call?

 

Operator: Certainly. Ladies and gentlemen that does conclude the conference call for today.

 

 

END