Gabrielle “Gabby” Douglas is an American Artistic gymnast known worldwide for her performance in the London 2012 Summer Olympics. Douglas was the first African American to win gold medals for both all-around individual performance and team competitions all in the same Olympic games. She went on to win team gold at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics.

The Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF), founded in 1974, has a mission to promote health, education, and sports to young girls and women. They are dedicated to improving the lives of women everywhere through physical activities. The WSF has a Travel and Training Fund designed to award young female athletes with grants ranging from $2,500-$5,000 to support the cost of the training and coaching needed. Douglas’ mother, Natalie Hawkins, submitted an application for Douglas to receive this grant prior to her Olympic debut. Gabby was one of 23 individual athletes who received this award in 2012. Fortunately for Gabby, her financial situation significantly improved that year as a result of her Olympic performance. As a result, she decided to donate her $5,000 back to the Women’s Sports Foundation to help support the dreams of another up and coming female athlete. 

“I am blessed to be in the position to give back to other athletes and open up opportunities to them,” said Douglas to FORBES.com. “I had hardships during my career and my road was not easy. If I can give them any help, then I am more than happy to do that.”

Douglas has also done charitable work as an ambassador with ‘Right to Play’, an organization to help disadvantaged children.