Gabby Douglas sat down with Cosmo the day after the Paris 2024 closing ceremonies to reflect on her time as an Olympian and her fave moments from watching on the sidelines during this year’s games. So, if you’re already missing your daily dose of Olympics content (shout-out Pommel Horse Guy and chocolate muffins), we have ya covered with some 2028 news! And what better time to speak with an Olympic gymnast about her new footcare collab than on the heels (lol) of Paris 2024?
It’s no secret that the United States is a women’s gymnastics powerhouse, and Gabby can be credited for much of the hype around the sport. The 2012 team (colloquially known as the Fab Five) was iconic, and at 16 years old (!!!), Gabby became the first Black female gymnast to win gold in the all-around team competition. Her success marked a major turning point for U.S. gymnastics, and she’s still training to this day.
Sadly, Gabby, a three-time gold medalist, suffered an ankle injury ahead of this year’s Olympic trials, forfeiting her chance for a spot on the 2024 team. But that hasn’t halted her ambition and love for the sport. As if training and gearing up for the 2028 Olympics weren’t enough, Gabby is now also the face of Dr. Scholl’s footcare line. And because her feet are quite literally the most important part of her job, it’s safe to say she knows a few things about podiatric health and at-home products that could probably rival a salon pedicure.
Ahead, Gabby shares her thoughts on Los Angeles 2028, why footcare is just as important as skincare, her favorite memories from the Olympic Village, and more.
How did you feel watching the Paris Games this year? Were there any standout moments?
I respect all these athletes. I mean, it’s definitely amazing just to see everyone from all the countries and sports come and unite, and there was really good camaraderie. I was a huge fan of watching track and field. That’s my favorite to watch—it was super exciting.
How do you feel about the Olympics being on home soil in 2028?
Oh, man, I think it’s a great thing. I think it’ll be very, very cool, you know? I think it’ll be fun for us—USA always has to travel, so it will be nice to just book a flight to L.A. and go.
What are you feeling for 2028? Everyone wants to know—is Gabby gonna be there?
I’m just taking it all one day at a time. It’s currently offseason, so I’m just working on recovery, getting my routines together, and seeing the code of points. Is this changing? Is it the same? So I can structure my routines around that. But just taking it one day at a time. Hopefully World Championships next year too!
I feel like this year at the Olympics we’ve been able to see all the behind the scenes of the Olympic Village on social media. Do you have a favorite memory from the Olympic Village?
Oh, there was this one time in Rio where my phone charger got stuck and I pulled it out and I blew out the entire power on our floor. I acted like nothing happened. I was like, “What happened, who was that? Oh no, the power went out!”
Did you have a favorite viral moment from the Olympics this year?
Breakdancing was a need-to-watch. I’m sorry to have to go here, but that was all over my For You Page.
What are your nonnegotiable, everyday beauty and self-care products?
Well, as far as my skin goes, I like to keep it simple. I just use an aloe vera cleanser, a toner, an exfoliator, and a light oil. And then for my footcare, the Dr. Scholl’s Severe Cracked Heel Balm is very good. I just bang up my feet so much at the gym, so I come home and apply that.
Sounds like a match made in heaven. Can you tell me more about your partnership with Dr. Scholl’s?
I’m super honored to partner with them. I think footcare is very much missed. Like I said, I bang up my feet so much, so just coming home and giving my feet the proper care that they need with Dr. Scholl’s masks, balms, and callus removers as well. It’s really important for me to take care of my feet just as much as the rest of my body.
Dr. Scholl's Soothing & Reviving Foot Mask
Dr. Scholl's Severe Cracked Heel Repair Restoring Balm
Dr. Scholl's Callus Remover Electronic Foot File
And what do you do for competition days when you need to amp up the self-care? What does that usually entail?
I honestly do a lot of icing, cryotherapy, and heat massages before I go out there. I like to do a lot of preparation for joints and muscles. I also love listening to rap music for motivation—Eminem is probably my favorite rapper.
Who was your inspiration growing up? Was it another gymnast, a family member?
Yeah, since I was always in the gym, I looked up to Dominique Dawes, she was my go-to. A lot of people compared us. I didn’t watch her while she was competing since I was a 1-year-old at the time, but that’s mainly who I looked up to.
As a Gen Zer myself, the London Olympics were so formative for me. Do you have any advice for young women looking to compete in a sport? Or any advice you’d give to your younger 2012 London self?
I would give 2012 Gabby the advice to stay in her joy, stay in that peace, and stay in that strength. And for anyone looking to do competitive sports, always be true to yourself, be very genuine, and authentic. Don’t worry about the haters. There are always going to be people who are rooting for your downfall and standing in the way. But, you know, just surround yourself with positivity and positive people. Don’t let anyone define what you can and can’t do.
Pssst, treat your feet to these comfy shoes
Dr. Scholl's Womens Madison Lace Sneaker
Dr. Scholl's Shoes Womens Savoy Slip On Sneaker
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
