They made fun of Gabby Douglas’ hair in 2012, too. It didn’t matter as much then, of course, because Douglas was too busy being crowned the best gymnast in the world. It’s easier to block out the hate when there’s all that love.
Then, it’s a joke. Now, it’s a painful reminder of Douglas’ personal disappointments. Here is a 20-year-old woman breaking down because the people who nicknamed her “Flying Squirrel” and celebrated with her have now gone vile.
“When they talk about my hair or me not putting my hand up on my heart or me being very salty in the stands, they’re really criticizing me, and it doesn’t really feel good,” Douglas told reporters Sunday, after finishing seventh on the uneven bars in her only individual event at these Olympics.