Gabrielle Douglas at the 2012 Olympics

What an exciting time of year!  The summer Olympics have once again brought a prideful glow to the United States.  I am so proud of all the athletes representing the United States in this years Olympics, however, I have my favorite.  In our town of West Des Moines, IA we have sent out our second Olympian to represent us in gymnastics.  In 2008 we were so proud to have Shawn Johnson, also from West Des Moines, and this year it's Gabrielle Douglas.

Gabrielle Douglas competing in the 2012 Olympics

What an amazing girl and how awesome is it that she, and Shawn Johnson, attended the same high school as I did!  Tonight we were all on pins and needles, praying for a strong win for our girls, and they delivered, to say the least.

Shawn Johnson after the 2008 Olympics

My daughter goes to a day camp Monday through Friday, and everyday they go somewhere new, the Science Center of Des Moines, the Art Center, our local pools, etc.  One of the places they go is to Chow's Gymnastics studio.  This is the studio Shawn Johnson and Gabrielle Douglas trained in, which eventually pushed them to the Olympics.  Needless to say, the two girls' images and posters and life sized cutouts are plastered all over the studio, as it should be because we are all so proud to have them! The look on my daughter's face when she saw the girl she had watched train on one of her visits to the gymnastics studio, was priceless.

Chow's Gymnastics Studio in West Des Moines, IA

What a treat for her to have met this inspirational woman and then watch her compete on television.  It was a special moment, I loved it.  Congratulations to the 2012 Olympic Gold Medalists, the Fab Five, Jordyn Wieber, Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, Kyla Ross and McKayla Maroney.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/31/2924082/us-womens-gymnastics-team-wins.html#storylink=cpy

We are so proud of you girls!

CONGRATULATIONS U.S.A.!!!!!!!

For more information on Chow's Gymnastics in West Des Moines, IA please click here!