Olympic Gold Medalist and All-Around Champion Gabby Douglas to visit The Washington Auto Show®!

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The first African-American to win the most prestigious prize in gymnastics -- the Olympics' Individual All-Around Champion -- and the Associated Press 2012 Female Athlete of the Year Gabrielle Douglas will appear at The Washington Auto Show Friday evening to meet fans and sign autographs at the Toyota booth.

"With her winning and graceful smile, personality, and, of course, performances, Gabrielle Douglas is the stuff of champions, and we are practically doing somersaults over her upcoming appearance here," said Washington Auto Show chairman Robert Fogarty . 

The 17-year old artistic gymnast emerged from the 2012 London Summer Olympics with record-breaking performances that dazzled audiences worldwide. Now boasting deals with Nike, Kellogg, and AT&T, Douglas made Barbara Walters ' 2012 list of "10 Most Fascinating People" (Walters called her "the tiny, tiny girl with the big, big smile" and Forbes' "30 under 30" in sports. Her story of perseverance and triumph, as chronicled in her best-selling book, Grace, Gold, & Glory, has served as inspiration, especially for lower-income children.

"I want people to think, 'Gabby can do it, I can do it,'" Douglas told the Associated Press. "Set that bar. If you're going through struggles or injuries, don't let it stop you from what you want to accomplish."

Douglas will be appearing at the show on Friday from 5-7 pm. Other stars: WWE® Superstars Randy Orton® will be appearing at the show on Wednesday, 6-8 pm, and Sheamus® on Thursday at 6-8 pm. Washington star wide receiver Pierre Garcon will be signing at the Honda Booth Saturday from 1-3pm.

The largest public show in Washington, The Washington Auto Show features more than 750,000 square feet of automotives, advanced technology, and experiential events and spans all levels, exhibition halls and meeting rooms of the Washington Convention Center. More than 700 vehicles representing 43 domestic and import manufacturers are on display in this 71st edition of the show, which also presents the inaugural Luxury Showcase and enhanced floor plan.

SOURCE Washington Auto Show 2013