RIO DE JANEIRO – It was a big night for the U.S. women's gymnastics as they took home the gold medal Tuesday in the gymnastics team competition. But when the "Final Five" stood on the podium to receive their medals, viewers noticed something other than their gold medals.
People immediately took to social media to address the fact that Gabby Douglas did not put her hand over her heart during the national anthem. Some people criticized her, while others thought it was ridiculous that it was even an issue.
As a military kid #GabbyDouglas knows the proper way to respect the anthem. #shame #finalfive #USA
— P*huey (@hueyx5) August 9, 2016
i see gabby douglas got caught in the ironic vortex of people telling her how to revel in america’s greatness. g’luck with that, all.
— bomani (@bomani_jones) August 10, 2016
#GabbyDouglas is awesome. From her routines to her hair to her poise, she rocks. Don't need to put ur hand over ur heart to show respect.
— MischiefMadebyMi (@Mynxmittens) August 10, 2016
Gabby Douglas just standing there and not placing her hand over her heart while our anthem played was UN-olympic. #respect #rio2016
— Dawn Wisdom (@Favreforever) August 9, 2016
Um, Gabby Douglas. Why is your hand not on your heart during our National Anthem? 🤔 #teamusa #finalfive
— Chelsey Lamar (@misschelseygail) August 9, 2016
Douglas responded to the criticism on Twitter in part by saying, "I never meant any disrespect and apologize if I offended anyone. I'm so overwhelmed at what our team accomplished today and overjoyed that we were able to bring home another gold for our country!"
Douglas is a three-time Olympic gold medalist with appearances in the London and this year's Rio Olympics.