With win, Gabrielle Douglas could attract new devotees to her sport

Gabby Douglas didn't just tumble and twirl her way into the history books when she became the first African-American to win all-around gymnastics gold on Thursday — she also turned into a role model for African-American youth who may not normally have considered gymnastics as an option.

Like tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams, and Cullen Jones, an Olympic swimmer from New Brunswick, N.J., Douglas, 16, of Virginia Beach, Va., may help attract African-American youth to sports that have historically had mostly white participants.

"Not only in Philadelphia but across the country, I think it's going to open a lot of eyes," Jerry Houck, senior vice president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, said of Douglas' achievement.

Recreational gymnastics classes are offered at several Boys and Girls clubs and at some city rec centers, but the city has relatively few opportunities for girls who want to reach the top echelon of the sport. Temple University, which is known for its gymnastics team, offers a Junior Olympic program, but only for boys.

Despite the sport's popularity, the financial commitment may be a roadblock for many families in Philadelphia who struggle to keep food on the table, let alone finance an Olympic dream. Training to reach the Olympic level — paired with traveling to competitions — can cost thousands of dollars annually.

Still, Houck said greater interest in the sport among urban youth may bolster recreational and competitive programs in the city over time.

"I think Gabby has really shown that she can do it. Why not someone else right here in Philadelphia?" Houck asked. "Maybe going forward, we can look into those types of opportunities for all our members."

African-American girls in Philadelphia who are looking for more inspiration to join the sport may find a role model in Allentown's Elizabeth Price, 16, who trains at the Parkettes National Gymnastics Center. She placed fourth at the U.S. Olympic Trials, and was named as an Olympic team alternate.

Aside from the racial diversification of the sport, Douglas' win parallels another trend the sport. Once dominated by European and Asian athletes, the sport is becoming more inclusive globally.

Gymnasts from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Israel are among those still vying for Olympic medals in the individual-apparatus competitions, which begin Sunday.