Gabby Douglas Criticized For Not Placing Hand Over Heart During National Anthem at Olympics

Gabby Douglas was part of a team that just brought home a gold medal during the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics…and yet, people are choosing to concentrate on her not covering her hand over her heart while the national anthem played.

The 20-year-old gymnast won the team all-around gold medal with Aly Raisman, Madison Kocian, Laurie Hernandez and Simone Biles on Tuesday (August 9) and after all the congratulatory messages came in, the criticisms also came.

“In response to a few tweets I saw tonight, I always stand at attention out of respect for our country whenever the national anthem is played,” Gabby shared on Twitter in apology. “I never meant any disrespect and apologize if I offended anyone.”

Gabby added, “I’m so overwhelmed at what our team accomplished today and overjoyed that we were able to bring home another gold for our country.”