Gabby Douglas "mentally and physically tired" on uneven bars challenge

Gabrielle Douglas performs during the women's uneven bars of the artistic gymnastics event on Aug. 6, 2012,in London. / Getty Images

(CBS/AP) Gabby Douglas, the U.S. gymnast who won the all-around gold medal, came up short in the uneven bars final on Tuesday.

Douglas' slim chance at getting a medal ended when she stalled on a handstand on the bars, placing her last out of the eight other competitors.

"I think toward the end of the Olympics you get mentally and physically tired, just like drained," Douglas told the Associated Press after her bars final. "I try to fight through as much as I can."

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Gold medal winner Gabby Douglas

Russia's Aliya Mustafina took gold with her uneven bars routine, packed with difficult skills and perfectly pointed toes. China's He Kexin took silver and Great Britian's Beth Tweddle earned bronze.

"Even if I hit a good solid routine, it still wasn't enough to medal because Tweddle, Mustafina and the Chinese girls put up these big scores and I had going in average, low start values," Douglas told USA Today.

The two-time gold medalist, nicknamed the Flying Squirrel, has a chance for one more title before she leaves the London Games, competing Tuesday on the balance beam.

Douglas is the first African-American gymnast to win the Olympic all-around event.

[STP403]

How much pressure, mentally and physically must a talented young American endure to satisfy the people making insensitive and cruel comments abuot them, in this forum. Gaby's accomplishments are fantastic and so are all the accomplishments of the girls Olympic gymnastic team.

I have the highest respect and admiration for their dedication to train and participate and one of toughest Olympic events.

[marcie10000]

Aliya is Muslim? Whatever. She has been the best on the bars and is so beautiful to watch. She deserved to win the gold. Beth Tweedle was also graceful and made it look so easy!

[worldist]

Hello marychgo:
That's exactly my point. American media does not make any effort to know "others" . There was an article on CNN about just that. Americans are so engrossed in thier own selves. If you claim yourselves the superpower, US should have that behaviour in everything than.

[pwgrant]

biteme

[Smilestoo]

The American media is not going to investigate the religious beliefs of the olympic competitors. Some of the competitors probably don't want to flaunt their religion anyway. I haven't read anything about Gabrielle's religion, Phelps religion, or the religion of any of the competitors. The Americans are there to represent their country by competing in the events, not for a religious showdown. With separation of church and state, and the sensitivity surrounding all religions now days, I think the media is correct not to go there. What made Gabrielle stand out so much, and win so many hearts is her smile and personality.

[Ulgnud]

Of course she is mentally and physically tired. Competing in the Olympics is very hard work. She is up to the challenge and has done very well. Congrats to her and her achievements.

[bradkt1]

Gabby had a GREAT Olympics. She won the 2 most important gold medals...the all around gold and the team gold.

[cagirl1111]

what a big disappointment..why even do a routine if it is so low scoring. Keeping my fingers crossed for the other routines on beam & floor.

[Smilestoo]

She is great, but she is also human.

[cagirl1111]

what a big disappointment..why even do a routine if it is so low scoring. Keeping my fingers crossed for the other routines on beam & floor.

[worldist]

Funny...... Americans make a biiiiiig fuss about Gaby being Black but no mention of Aliya Mustafina being a Muslim from Russia.

[marychgo]

Perhaps because many of us didn't KNOW she was Muslim....

[Ulgnud]

Who cares if she is black? She is an Olympic Champion. That is all that matters.