Olympian Gabby Douglas talks faith, forgiveness and matzo ball soup

Recommended by Chelynne Renouard, Deseret News

Published: Friday, Dec. 14 2012 3:47 p.m. MST

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U.S. gymnast and gold medallist Gabrielle Douglas, center, Russian gymnast and silver medallist Victoria Komova, right, and Russian gymnast and bronze medallist Aliya Mustafina, left, display their medals on the podium during the artistic gymnastics women's individual all-around competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012, in London.

Julie Jacobson, Associated Press

Summary

Gold medalist gymnast Gabrielle Douglas recently released her autobiography, "Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith" which tells her story of faith, perseverance, and determination, and her experiences that led her to Olympic gold in the 2012 London Olympics.

Our take: Gold medalist gymnast Gabrielle Douglas recently released her autobiography, "Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith" which tells her story of faith, perseverance, and determination, and her experiences that led her to Olympic gold in the 2012 London Olympics. She talks with Adelle M. Banks about her faith.

Gabrielle Douglas, who walked away with the gymnastic gold at the London Olympics, is out with her first book: "Grace, Gold & Glory: My Leap of Faith." Douglas, who turns 17 on New Year's Eve, talked with Religion News Service about her prayer life, her love of matzo ball soup and overcoming homesickness to make it to the Olympics.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: Everyone knows you as a gold medal Olympic gymnast, but how do you define yourself as a young woman of faith?

A: Faith plays a very big role in my life. I don't know where I would be without it today. I've always been praying for everything. And my mom always exposed me and my siblings to being a Christian and the Bible. I was watching back and looking at the Olympics and my mouth is moving — and that's me praying.

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