Olympian Gabby Douglas Throws First Pitch at Mets Game, Takes on Bullying & the Beam With Oprah

Gold medal winning gymnast takes on baseball and opens up to Oprah in a sit down

By Brandi Fowler Aug 24, 2012 12:51 AMTags
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Gabby Douglas is on a roll.

After taking home two gold medals at the London Olympics, the 16-year-old gymnast threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Mets' game against the Rockies Thursday at Citi Field in New York, flashing her famous smile while she was at it. 

"I'm a little more nervous," Douglas said before the big pitch. "Everyone just tells me to throw the ball hard, so I'm going to throw it hard." 

Douglas, who was bombarded with fans who wanted to take pictures with her at the game, also made time to speak to a group of local kids at a charity event before the game began. 

"I wanted to tell my story and where I came from and my background, because it was not easy," Douglas said, according to the New York Daily News. "I had to face a lot coming through this journey, a lot of sacrifices, difficulties, challenges, and injuries. 

"I wanted everyone to know it's still possible for anyone really. I wanted to make them know to never give up and always keep fighting, because though times may be tough, the sacrifices do pay off, so just keep pushing towards your dream and just love it at the same time and enjoy it."

Douglas dished about those particular struggles growing up in a sit-down with Oprah, including what it was like to deal with bullies while she trained away from her family.

"I felt being bullied and isolated from the group," Douglas said. "They treated me not how they treated their other teammates."

"Was it was a sense of 'You're different and we're gonna make you feel that way'?" Oprah asked the athlete, known as the Flying Squirrel, following her admission.

"Yes," Douglas replied. 

Following their sit down, the medal-winner and Oprah lightened up the serious interview with a little beam work.

The duo hopped on the balance beam, with Douglas showing the media mogul how to do a move called the scale.

Douglas' Next Chapter interview with Oprah will air on OWN Sunday at 8:30 p.m.

Check out the best moments from the closing ceremony at the 2012 Olympics!