Kristen Jordan Shamus: African-American Kids In Metro Detroit Flip For New Olympic Champion

Young Detroit Gymnasts Flip For New Champ
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 02: Gabrielle Douglas of the United States reacts after she competes on the uneven bars in the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Individual All-Around final on Day 6 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena on August 2, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 02: Gabrielle Douglas of the United States reacts after she competes on the uneven bars in the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Individual All-Around final on Day 6 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena on August 2, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

One after one, their legs raced down the spring board, leaping, turning, one back handspring followed by another.

They're dedicated. They're hopeful. They want to be like Gabby.

Sixteen-year-old gymnast Gabby Douglas stole America's heart Thursday when she flipped and tumbled her way to Olympic gold, becoming the first African-American gymnast to win the world's top spot in the women's all-around competition.

And as she did, she cemented a dream in young minds. Children of all colors across the country set up obstacle courses, did cartwheels and somersaults, pretending they, too, were Olympic gymnasts.

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