( CNN ) -- Gabby Douglas winning the all-around gymnastics gold medal in London is over-the-top significant on so many levels . It 's not only that she won the top prize in a dramatic and thrilling competition last week , featuring the top Russian gymnasts . More important is the powerful message Gabby is sending to young girls and women , especially those who are African-American , about doing what it takes to make your dreams happen . Young people need to reach for spectacular goals . This is not a message we hear often enough , and that is why is it so important . Monday may have been not quite as golden a day for Gabby -- she placed eighth in the women 's uneven bars final -- but the audience did not seem at all disappointed in her performance ; there was anticipation and excitement just to see her compete again . And it did nothing to diminish what she has accomplished ; with her all-around victory Thursday , she created one of those iconic Olympic moments that will endure the test of time . Gabby became the best in her sport in front of the world , and was unapologetic about doing what it took to get her there . Her family 's sacrifice , and the trust her mother showed in her daughter 's goals , could be a lesson to parents and children everywhere . The story of an African-American single mom and her daughter reaching for greatness , and succeeding , will resonate with a whole new generation . I have been an elite athlete , coached an Olympic gymnast and since 1994 have provided free and low-cost gymnastics to over 10,000 young people in Harlem . I know the challenges of gymnastics , especially for minority families . Top-level gymnastics takes an incredible sacrifice from an athlete and her family in endless practice time , constant travel and lots of money . The fact that Gabby chose at age 14 to move halfway across the country to achieve her goal is a testament to her drive . It was a remarkable decision : According to research by the Women 's Sports Foundation , by age 14 , girls are dropping out of sports at twice the rate of boys . Gabby has become a key role model who may help reverse this trend . It is important to not focus on the possible ways to make money from sport . It did not work that way for Gabby Douglas ; the appeal of the journey to greatness was already there and it can not be underestimated . The reasons to participate in sport and fitness and the benefits ca n't be measured by dollars , unless you count how much it is costing this country to support a generation of overweight , unhealthy , unmotivated and unprepared-for-the-world young people . Yes , we need Gabby . Let 's face it , you can not take your eyes off her . When she is competing , her gymnastics is exciting . When she is being interviewed , her energy , love of her family , her sport and her faith together make a compelling impression . This is an exciting time for women 's gymnastics . But it is an even more exciting time for young girls -- all the girls who now have Gabby to look up to . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Wendy Hilliard .
Wendy Hilliard : Gabby Douglas gold medal for all-around gymnastics is highly significant . She says it sends a powerful message to young girls that they can seek spectacular goals . She -- and her single mom -- showed the world she was willing to sacrifice to get there . Hide Caption 1 of 11 Photos: By 14 , girls drop sports at twice rate of boys . Gabby 's example could change that .