Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas To Speak At Georgian Court

LAKEWOOD, NJ — Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas, who won medals in London in 2012 and Rio in 2016, will speak at Georgian Court University later this month about her journey and experiences as a world-class athlete, the university announced.

"An Evening with Gabby Douglas" is set for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19 at Georgian Court's historic Casino and is open to the public. Admission is free for Georgian Court University faculty, students and staff; general admission is $10 per person and tickets must be reserved online in advance. The event is sponsored by the GCU Office of Student Life and the Office of Conferences and Special Events.

Douglas, now 23, won gold at the 2012 London Summer Olympics at the age of 16, capturing both the team and individual all-around competitions. She was the first woman of color of any nationality and the first African-American gymnast in Olympic history to become the individual all-around champion. Four years later in Brazil she won gold again, this time with the unforgettable Olympic team that included fellow Americans Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Laurie Hernandez and Madison Kocian.

Douglas will have an on-stage conversation with Amani Jennings, Georgian Court's dean of students.

"This is an incredible opportunity to hear directly from a living legend," said Janice Warner, Georgian Court's interim provost. "Gabby Douglas is known worldwide for her extraordinary talent as an athlete, but her story is bigger than that."

"She often speaks of persistence, determination, and preparation as key elements to her athletic success. We look forward to her conversation about how those characteristics shape success in all areas of life," Warner said.

Douglas, who is appearing during Women's History Month, spoke out in 2018 on Instagram, urging her followers to speak up and support each other.

"Along the journey, you’re going to have so many challenges and so many people will tell you 'You can’t do it. It’s too much.' But I just want to encourage women to be strong," she wrote, "and to be powerful and have confidence."

"If you don’t like something, change it! In honor of Women’s History Month, let’s continue to inspire one another to be courageous and confident! Never be afraid to stand up and make a difference," she wrote.

"An Evening with Gabby Douglas" requires tickets, which must be reserved online. For more information, e-mail specialevents@georgian.edu or call 732-987-2263.

Watch the Nike commercial she starred in.

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