Oprah Winfrey, whose respect and admiration for Olympic athletes is well documented, will interview two-time gold medalist Gabrielle “Gabby” Douglas on the upcoming episode of “Oprah’s Next Chapter,” airing at 8:30 p.m., Sunday, August 26 on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

According to the network, Winfrey sits down with the 16-year-old gymnast for a candid conversation from her training ground in West Des Moines, Iowa. After winning a gold medal for the USA in the team competition, Douglas made history at the Summer Olympics in London, becoming the first African American to become the Women’s All-Around Champion.  

“I definitely had this amazing feeling,” Douglas said of her mindset during the heat of the prestigious “All-Around” competition, which determines the world’s best overall female gymnast. “I just told myself, ‘Believe. Don’t fear, just believe.’ I didn’t really think about making mistakes. I just wanted to represent everyone, not just myself — Team USA, coaches, family. I wanted to show my best routines and just enjoy the moment.”

“She is a very graceful gymnast and also she has the strength and determination,” said Douglas’ head coach, Liang Chow. “I am totally beside myself. I think it was a wonderful night, and for me as a coach, that was a wonderful dream come true — to have an Olympic Champion.”

Douglas will discuss her rise to Olympic gold and the intense and immediate media attention she found herself facing in London. Winfrey will visit the host family that provided a second home for Douglas during her training, and visit the gym in West Des Moines, Iowa, where Douglas trained six days a week in preparation for London. Winfrey will also speak with Gabby’s mother Natalie, who cheered Gabby on from the stands every day and stood behind her as she pursued her Olympic dreams.

Contact entertainment reporter Kimberly C. Roberts at (215) 893-5753 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .