LESAProject

Gabby Douglas is the women's gymnastics all-around gold medalist. She is the first African-American and woman of color to ever hold such a distinction. Her win is emblematic of a more racially progressive America—one in which a black athlete has reached the pinnacle of a traditionally “white” sport. The media sideshow that has ensued after her victory represents the double standard still firmly in place in regard to athletes of color. The rest of the London 2012 Olympics should have been a victory lap for Douglas, as she basked in the limelight with her team and individual gold medals around her ...