Back to the Top News Newsfeed

Rio Olympics 2016: Gabby Douglas' mother says bullies made her daughter 'heartbroken'

Gabby Douglas' mom came to her daughter's defense Sunday, saying bullies have left the gymnast "heartbroken."

The 20-year-old gymnast, who won the all-around gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics, has had an up-and-down time in Rio. She excelled as part of the overall team competition in which the U.S. won a gold medal, but finished next-to-last Sunday in the uneven bars.

PHOTOS: Best images from Day 9 in Rio

But Douglas' mother, Natalie Hawkins, told Reuters that Douglas has been hurt by the bad things being said about her on social media.