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Gabby Douglas Reveals Family's Financial Struggles: "We Were Homeless"

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Dec. 5 2012, Published 7:09 a.m. ET

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Before striking gold at the London Olympics (twice!), Gabby Douglas overcame massive obstacles, including being homeless at one point. 

"It wasn’t easy. I went through a lot of difficulties and struggles and money problems," the gymnast recalls to Wendy Williams. "We were homeless."

OK! NEWS: RED CARPET CONFIDENTIAL: OLYMPIC GYMNAST GABBY DOUGLAS READY FOR REALITY TV

In her new memoir Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith, the 16-year-old also discusses her strained relationship with her father, who at times did not pay child support. “He wasn’t really in the picture. He wasn’t really there for me but I hope when he reads my book, he can relate to how I felt and hopefully we’ll build a stronger and better relationship in the future.”

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Despite being estranged, Gabby's father attended the Olympics and proudly waved an American flag in support of his daughter. "I was kind of shocked because I hadn’t seen him in so long," she says. "For him to show up at trials was just mind-blowing."

OK! NEWS: GABBY DOUGLAS TELLS VANITY FAIR TEAMMATES BEFORE THE FIERCE FIVE CALLED HER "SLAVE"

Given her overwhelming success in London, is Gabby up for competing for a spot on the 2016 Olympic team? "I am going to Rio!” she confidently announces--and bringing Wendy along with her? Check out video of Gabby teaching the talk show host how to conquer the balance beam. 

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