Gabby Douglas

You've got to be confident when you're competing. You've got to be a beast.

It's very tough for me to focus. I'm like: 'Look, something shiny! No, focus. Oh, there goes a butterfly!'

I kind of do think of myself as a superhero and just flying high, and doing these crazy flips.

Always be courageous and strong, and don't fear.

By now, you've probably caught on to something: my mother is always standing by with just the right Scripture or inspirational saying to get me through any tough situation.

It's definitely important to have your mom and family there to back you up and cheering from the stands. You'd love them to come to every big dance and every big game, but sometimes that's not possible.

You need your mom and dad to protect you. It means they love you so much.

Me and my dad are kind of distant since my mom and him separated.

I learned from my mom to always keep pushing yourself.

My family and I had to overcome a lot to get where we are today.

I take my Bible with me, sometimes two of them, when I travel.

The one snack I really love is YoCrunch yogurt. It's like an apple pie in a cup! You have your apples on the bottom, your yogurt in the middle, and piecrust crumbs on top.

It's just incredible how people come up to me and say, 'Gabby, you inspire me to do anything I can set my mind to.' It's truly an honor.

Even before I competed in the Olympics, I always wanted to write a book.

I love listening to Lil' Wayne, Drake, and Eminem to get me fired up!

Gospel music always relaxes me and calms my nerves.

I think I was about 14 when I did my first makeup. I was like, 'Wow, I really like this what do you call it? Makeup thing?'

I wear makeup pretty much every day. For training, I usually do a lighter base, a lighter blush and I used the mascara and a little bit of the lip gloss.

I got my feet wet in a couple of shows. I did a cameo on my favorite show, 'The Vampire Diaries.' And I guest starred on a show called 'Kickin' It' on Disney.

I want to do all roles. The sky's the limit.

We can choose a path that leads us into trouble. It all comes down to our decisions at the end of the day.

My mom says I'm a fighter, a fierce competitor, and I think I am, too.

Everyone has hiccups in their families.

My mom used to tell me when I was little, 'When it rains, it's God's manifestation - a big day's waiting to happen.'

You just have to be yourself and go full with confidence and be courageous.