Gabrielle Douglas, affectionately called “Gabby” by her fans, friends and family, vaulted her way into American hearts and captured Olympic gold in the women’s gymnastics all-around competition. Winning her sport’s top prize with grace, accuracy, and an infectious smile, Douglas became the first African American to win an all-around gold medal.

Dominique Dawes, the first African American gold medalist in gymnastics, was visibly overcome with emotion as she described the importance of Douglas’ triumph to Fox Sports.

“What touches my heart the most is knowing that there is a whole generation of young kids that look up to her as they looked up to me… she’s going to help a whole [new] generation of young girls and boys, African Americans, Hispanics, [and] other minorities to see the sport of gymnastics as an opportunity for them to excel,” Dawes said.

Douglas’ two gold medals will undoubtedly inspire new gymnasts. But, the story of her indomitable spirit and faith will inspire many more. Procter & Gamble’s YouTube series, “Raising an Olympian” tells part of her journey to the Olympics.

Focus and belief allowed Douglas to see her own potential long before others did. Watching the 2008 Olympics, Douglas said, “My coaches aren’t teaching me anything new. I need a higher degree of difficulty. Mom, I need to leave. I need to get better coaching. I need to make this dream become real.” With that declaration, her road to London began.

To make her dream real, Douglas moved 1,200 miles from her home in Virginia Beach to West Des Moines, Iowa to train with Coach Liang Chow at age 14. Naturally, she struggled with feeling homesick. While she at one point considered returning home, Douglas ultimately declared, ”I’m going to stay and fight for my dream.”

The distance between Virginia and Iowa hardly compares to the young athlete’s greater jump from regional standout to Olympian. Yet, Douglas’ mental toughness and training allowed her to spritely cross that distance. Douglas burst onto the national stage in 2010, competing in her first elite meet, the 2010 Cover Girl Classic in Chicago, IL. However, serious consideration as an Olympic contender eluded Douglas until she beat out Jordyn Weiber in March 2012 at the AT&T American Cup.

For months to come, sports analysts will discuss every conceivable angle of Douglas’ story. We all look forward to learning more about Gabby. Indeed, details matter. But, I imagine after an ad naseum discussion of her training and coaching, the world will see that Douglas’ belief and sheer will made the impossible possible.

Douglas fought through pangs of separation from her loved ones, grueling training, and injuries, all to reach London, where her fight shined its brightest. By winning gold in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, her name is indelibly recorded in sports history. May we all bask in the light of Gabby’s dream come true.

Photo Credit:Robert Deutsch – USA TODAY