Gabby Douglas made history by becoming the first African-American gymnast to win the individual all-around gold medal and a team gold at the London Olympics. With her beaming smile and charming personality, the 16-year-old Virginia native won over tons of new fans including some famous ones. Music superstars Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Ciara, Pharrell, Rick Ross, and more took to Twitter to congratulate the Team USA Olympian.
Beyoncé wrote a letter to Gabby on her website, calling her an inspiration. Lil Wayne crowned her an “icon” and his Young Money labelmate Nicki Minaj got jealous when she retweeted Weezy before her.
“Oh wow, I tweeted about #Gabby earlier but she responds to @LilTunechi and not me? U know what? Ima fight u. I’ve had it!!!” joked the “Pound the Alarm” rapper. Gabby quickly responded, writing, “Hahaha I was trying 2find it! I PROMISE! THANK U SO MUCH! OMG IM NUMB RIGHT NOW! #SPEECHLESS.”
Read some of the supportive messages below.
Beyoncé: A huge congratulations to 16 year old Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas – wow – what a thrill to watch you take this gold! I can tell you’ve been working hard for so long – enjoy this moment, its yours. Thank you for inspiring all of us!
Lil Wayne: Glad i lived to see what Gabby Douglas did in the Olympics. Icon.
Nicki Minaj: *kisses to Gabby* what an amazing little firecracker. #USA #Olympics
Ciara: @gabrielledoug Not only am I happy 4 U. I’m happy for your family 2! The sacrifices payed off! Keep inspiring Young Girls and Women like Me❤
Pharrell: You are the future, @gabrielledoug Such a shining example of focus, persistence, and execution. And a special thx to your rock of a family.
Monica: Congratulations Gabby Douglas on your Olympic Achievements. Gymnastics Team USA u made us all proud❤
Rick Ross: Congrats Gabby Douglas. Olympic #goldmedalist
Estelle: I JUST rewatched Gabby douglass. Yo. Goosebumps. Every single turn was sharp. Clean. Perfect. Omg!!!
Timbaland: yessir bigups to @gabrielledoug u did ur thang
Mary J. Blige: Congratulations to @gabrielledoug On her 2 Olympic Gold Medals!!! I’m so inspired!!!
Justin Bieber: CONGRATS to @McKaylaMaroney @jordynmarie2013 @kyla_ross96 @Aly_Raisman @gabrielledoug on your GOLD MEDAL. #BeliebersWinGOLD #Proud
Dawn Richard: So happy for @gabrielledoug and her family. God bless them all. Breaking barriers and boundaries with poise and class. I love it!
Ameriie: Go Gabby Douglas!!
Brandy: @gabrielledoug You are an Inspiration!!! I am so proud of you!!! Continue to be the best version of yourself!!! Love you
She is expected to sign over $10 Millin Dollars in endorsements:
Industry experts expect Douglas to sign endorsement deals outside of her current deal with P&G. Dan Migala is a founding partner of Property Consuling Group, a sports marketing firm. His firm estimates that Douglas will earn $9-$10 million through endorsements over the next four years.
“With Olympic athletes, especially individuals who win gold medals, brands look for connection between the athlete’s values and the brand’s values. The values companies look for are greatness, gold medal champions and hard work. Gabby has all of those,” Migala said.
Another industry expert likewise believes that Douglas’ endorsements earning potential exceeds $1 million. A.J. Maestas is the president of Navigate Research, a firm specializing in research, measurement and analysis of sponsorships in sports and entertainment. Maestas expects Douglas to pull in at least $2 million from endorsement deals. Maestas noted,
“She’s been featured very favorably in NBC’s broadcasts. You add that to her gold medals and the fact that she’s young with a healthy chance of coming back [for the 2016 Olympics], and it’s a big story for brands.”
Maestas bases his evaluation of what Douglas will earn from endorsement deals upon the premium that brands are willing to pay to have Olympic athletes endorse their products.
“The Olympics has the highest premium that brands are willing to pay for sponsorships. Although the games only last for a couple of weeks every four years, successful Olympic athletes can earn more than, for example, a basketball player who has a few successful weeks during a season,” Maestas said.