RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 10 (UPI) — Keyboard warriors washed over Twitter Tuesday after noticing American gymnast Gabby Douglas not holding her hand over her heart during the national anthem.
Douglas, 20, was part of the ‘Final Five,’ who took home the gold medal in dominant fashion during the team final in Rio de Janeiro.
After the event, she stood with Aly Raisman, Maddie Kocian, Laurie Hernandez, and Simone Biles as the national anthem was played. Douglas was the only gymnast who wasn’t placing her hand over her heart.
On Tuesday night, Douglas responded to the rampant criticism with a Twitter post.
“First I want to say thank you everyone for your support! It’s a huge honor for me to be able to represent #TeamUSA,” Douglas wrote. “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. I never meant any disrespect and apologize if I offended anyone. I’m so overwhelmed at what out team accomplished today and overjoyed that we were able to bring home another gold for our country!”
Douglas qualified for third place in the women’s individual all-around qualification. The final is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11 at the Summer Games.
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