Article updated: 12/21/2012 11:16 AM

AP female athlete of the year: Douglas

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Gabrielle Douglas, the first African-American gymnast to claim the all-around Olympic title, is The Associated Pressí 2012 female athlete of the year.

Associated Press/file

Gabrielle Douglas performs on the balance beam during the artistic gymnastics women's individual all-around competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Douglas is The Associated Pressí 2012 female athlete of the year.

Associated Press/file

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Gabrielle Douglas of the United States is The Associated Pressí 2012 female athlete of the year. She turns 17 on Dec. 31.

Associated Press/file

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When Gabby Douglas allowed herself to dream of being the Olympic champion, she imagined having a nice little dinner with family and friends to celebrate. Maybe she'd make an appearance here and there."I didn't think it was going to be crazy," Douglas said, laughing. "I love it. But I realized my perspective was going to have to change." Just a bit. The teenager has become a worldwide star since winning the Olympic all-around title in London, the first African-American gymnast to claim gymnastics' biggest prize. And now she has earned another honor. Douglas was selected The Associated Press' female athlete of the year, edging out swimmer Missy Franklin in a vote by U.S. editors and news directors that was announced Friday.