Back to the Olympics Newsfeed

Douglas at her best when defying expectations

GLASGOW, Scotland — Gabby Douglas rarely does what’s expected of her.

No one but Martha Karolyi had her on the team for the 2011 world gymnastics championships and, yet, there she was. No one thought much of her chances in Tokyo, so all she did was post the fifth-highest total in qualifying, make the uneven bars final and help the Americans win the team title.

She was supposed to be the odd-American out in the all-around at the London Olympics, and we all know what happened there.

So it should come as no surprise that Douglas’ name was near the top of the standings after qualifying Saturday.