Gabby Douglas Named 'AP Athlete Of The Year' 2012

Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas was named Associated Press 2012 Female Athlete of the Year on Dec. 21.

The gymnast narrowly beat Olympic swimmer Missy Franklin for the honor through votes submitted by editors and news reporters in America.

Douglas earned the title after attaining major success at the 2012 Olympics. During the London Games, the Virginia native became the first African-American to claim gymnastics' biggest prize - she won the Olympic all-around title.

After learning of her most recent honor, Douglas spoke to Associated Press about not realizing how "how much of an impact (she) made" during the 2012 Olympics.

"You really won't know the full impact until you're 30 or 40 years old. But it's starting to sink in," she told A.P.

Douglas received 48 out of a total of 157 votes submitted. Franklin won 41 while Serena Williams earned 24. College basketball player Britney Griner and professional skier Lindsey Vonn got 18 votes each.

Douglas had achieved other milestones and accolades earlier this month. She made Forbes' "30 Under 30" list , was listed as one of Barbara Walters' "10 Most Fascinating People" not long after releasing her autobiography, "Grace, Gold and Glory," which is No. 4 on the New York Times' young adult list. 

Last month, Douglas became the third gymnast to win the Sportswoman of the Year award. At the event in New York City, the teen spoke to Enstarz about being recognized for the award.  She said, "It feels amazing. I'm just so honored to be here and so happy."

Despite the critical acclaim she received, Douglas will not settle for this year's kudos; she expressed that she still has a lot more to accomplish.

"I think there's even higher bars to set," Douglas told AP.

Although Douglas has a busy schedule between endorsement deals and promotional appearances, she said she will always remain humble and not become self-obsessed.

"I may be meeting cool celebrities and I'm getting amazing opportunities," she said. "But I'm still the same Gabby."

According to Associated Press, Douglas has deals with Nike, Kellogg Co. and AT&T. She will continue competing through the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016.