August 2012

Gabrielle Douglas became the first Black gymnast to win the Olympic all-around title at the London Olympics, also winning team gold with the Fierce Five. Her victory made her a global icon and inspired countless young Black girls to pursue gymnastics, a sport historically dominated by white athletes.

Gabby Douglas became the first Black woman and first American woman of color to win the Olympic individual all-around gymnastics title at the London Games. She also won gold with the U.S. team, making her the first American gymnast to win both in the same Olympics.

Serena Williams won the Olympic singles gold medal at London 2012, completing a career Golden Slam—all four Grand Slams and an Olympic gold. The victory, in which she dropped only one set across five matches, came on the same Wimbledon courts where she had won six weeks earlier.