Gabrielle leaps a the at the 2012 Londoit^^ Olympics, where she won two gold medals.

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Vocabulary obstacles: things that get in a person's way reunited: brought baGk together apparent: obvious, clear, easy to see jeopardize: to put something in danger elite: considered the best at something

4 Scholastic Action I October 7, 2013 Gabby's Road to Gold This star never gave up on Ker dreams.

Before July 2012, not she and her mom, dad, two When her mom saved up many people knew the name sisters, and brother became enough money, she bought a Gabrielle Douglas. Then homeless. They lived in a house. Gabby, her mom, and came the cold, damp van for months. all her siblings moved in and in London. Her parents didn't know were happily reunited. Gabby leaped, it, but baby Gabby had a But after that. Gabby tumbled, and blood disease that could did not see much of her flipped her way have killed her. "I was sick," dad. That made her sad. into history. With says Gabby, "seriously sick." "He seldom showed up for her teammates, she Fortunately, Gabby anything," Gabby later won gold in women's team recovered. But the family wrote. "And when he did ... gymnastics. Then Gabby still struggled. it felt awkward for me." became the first Afirican- A few years later, Gabby's American woman to win the parents separated. For a Leaesina Forward individual all-around gold time. Gabby lived apart from By age 3, Gabby had medal. She was 16 years old. her mom and sister Arielle. learned to do a cartwheel Soon, people all over the world were talking about this pint-size powerhouse. But few knew the hardships and obstacles Gabby had overcome. Sure, learning gymnastics skills took a lot of hard work. But some of the toughest challenges Gabby faced are familiar to teens everywhere—problems with money, health, bullying, and self-confidence.

I When Gabby was born, I times were tough for her 8 family. At 2 months old.

www.scholostic.com/actionmog | October 7, 2013 5 and other tricks from Arielle. At age 6, she started gymnastics classes. Gabby's amazing talent soon became apparent. But coaches and gear were expensive. The whole family made sacrifices so that Gabby, in blue, with (from Gabby could train. To save left) sisters Joyelle and money, Gabby's siblings Arielle, mom Natalie, and brother Johnathan. Inset: gave up their own sports. Her Gabby with her host family mom worked two jobs. in Iowa, the Partons. Meanwhile, Gabby's long hours in the gym began to pay off. At age 8, she she needed a nose job. That won the State led to mean teasing from Gymnastics Championship. some teammates. To this day. Gabby is very Gabby was hurt. But she grateful for all her family's didn't tell anyone about the support. "They helped me bullying right away. She didn't want to jeopardize get to my dreams," she says. her gymnastics career. Today, Bullies in the Gym Gabby realizes she should The Partons became like not have stayed silent. "You a second family to Gabby, Although Gabby's family have to speak up," she says. who was training hard and stood behind her, not In 2010, Gabby moved competing around the world. everyone was so supportive. on to another gym. There, But just eight months before At times, she had to deal she would train with a the Olympics, Gabby almost with racist bullying at the new coach, . abandoned gymnastics. gym. One girl called Gabby He had trained other elite "slave." A coach told Gabby "I was very homesick," gymnasts. Could he help her she says. "I really wanted get ready for the Olympics? to quit." With support from her family and coaches. lolden Gabby Gabby found the strength Training with a new to keep going—and to coach was exciting. There make Olympic history. was only one problem. Now known as "Golden Gabby lived in Virginia. Gabby," she has advice for Coach Chow's gym was in other teens, no matter what Iowa, 1,200 miles away. their goals may be. "Don't be Gabby, then 14, had to afraid to mess up," she says. Gabby hugs leave her family. She moved "Believe in yourself. And her coach, to Iowa, where she lived with mo^t of all, don't give up!" Liang Chow a host family, the Partons. —Sarah Jane Brian READING-COMPREHENSION TEST PREP Show What You Know m Answer these questions about "Gabby's Road to Gold." Fill in the bubble next to the best answer to each question.

1 • What is the main idea of this text? ® Gabby Douqias won two qold medals. p' Gabby with Team U.S.A. ® Gabby overcame many obstacles to ; at the 2012 Olympics reach her dreams. © Gymnastics is a very difficult sport. ® Gabby spends many hours in the gym.

2« Why do you think the author included Gabby's quote "You have to speak up"? ® to show how Gabby felt when she was bullied at the gym ® to show that bullying is wrong © to show what Gabby learned from being bullied 9* On page 5, the reader can infer ® to show why Gabby was bullied from the phrase "pint-size powerhouse" that Gabby is . 3. In the section "Golden Gabby" on ® famous around the world page 6, what does the word ® good at cooking abandoned mean? © smart and hardworking ©left ©joined © small but strong (D loved ® worked O* Which statement is supported by 4« Which phrase on page 6 helps the the text? reader understand the meaning of ® Gymnastics is the most popular the word abandoned? sport at the Summer Olympics. ® "Gabby found the strength" ® Gabby has moved more than twice ® "Olympic history" in her life. © "just eight months before" © Liang Chow is Gabby's favorite coach. @ "I really wanted to quit" @ Gymnastics gear doesn't cost much.

M • Gabby's advice is, "Don't give up!" In her own life, she has often kept going during tough times. Circle two examples in the text.

What do you find most inspiring obout Gabby Douglas? Write a letter to tell WIN! her. Include information from the text in your letter. Send it to actianmag ©schalastic.pom. Ten winners will receive Gabby's book Raising tbe Bar! LE il

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