SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American gymnast and 2012 Olympic two-time gold medalist, Gabby Douglas, today became the first star to unveil her wax figure at the city’s newest wax attraction, Madame Tussauds San Francisco.
The world renowned athlete was amazed by the likeness, commenting, “I am stunned that there would be a Madame Tussauds wax figure even made of me at all, but to see the likeness and the incredible work they have done with it is even more overwhelming to experience today. I love that they created the figure with me actually doing a gymnastics routine on the balance beam!”
Also in attendance was Gabby’s family, who were similarly amazed. “We are all thrilled to be a part of this event today & honored that Gabby would be chosen for this, said Gabby’s mom, Natalie Hawkins. And we are still in awe of the amazing craftsmanship put forth and the excellent likeness to her! It is truly a work of art.”
Portrayed in a dynamic pose on a balance beam, Gabby’s figure takes centre stage in the sports area of the new attraction, which will open to guests on Thursday June 26.
As a member of the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team at the 2012 Olympics, Gabby won gold medals in the individual all-around and team competitions. As well, she was the first African-American gymnast in Olympic history to become the individual all-around champion and captured hearts of those around the world.
“We are thrilled to have Gabby participate in the unveiling of her figure,” commented Lauren Fahrer, Marketing Manager for Madame Tussauds San Francisco. Lauren continued: “Gabby is an extraordinary athlete and amazing role model for young women around the world. This figure is one of the most unique in the entire attraction, and we look forward to sharing it with guests at our grand opening at the end of June.”
Gabby was extremely involved in the creation of her figure, sitting for the Madame Tussauds studio artists where the team took hundreds of precise measurements and photographs to ensure as accurate likeness as possible. In total it took 20 people four months to complete the figure.
Madame Tussauds San Francisco is the newest attraction at the historic Fisherman’s Wharf District and will provide guests with a fun and interactive experience as they come face-to-face with wax likenesses of everyone from A-list stars and athletes, to politicians and cultural icons from the city and around the world.
Find out more about the full line up at Madame Tussauds San Francisco, and book online at www.madametussauds.com/SanFrancisco.
About Madame Tussauds San Francisco
Madame Tussauds San Francisco offers guests the unique opportunity to meet incredible wax likenesses of some of the city’s and world’s most famous stars. Only at Madame Tussauds San Francisco can you get up close and personal with Hollywood A-listers, music superstars, TV personalities, sporting heroes and cultural icons.
The attraction is open at 10 a.m. 365 days a year, located in Fisherman’s Wharf at 145 Jefferson Street.
About Merlin Entertainments Group – North America
MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS plc is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment. Europe’s Number 1 and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates 100 attractions, 10 hotels/3 holiday villages in 22 countries and across 4 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its almost 60 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and more than 20,000+ employees.
Merlin has twenty attractions and one hotel in North America, including two stunning LEGOLAND Resorts: LEGOLAND Florida theme park and water park, and LEGOLAND California theme park and water park; SEA LIFE aquarium and themed hotel; Madame Tussauds celebrity wax attractions in New York, Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Hollywood and San Francisco; LEGOLAND Discovery Centers in Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Kansas City, MO; Atlanta, GA; Westchester, NY and Toronto, ON; and SEA LIFE aquariums in Phoenix, AZ; Kansas City, MO; Dallas/Fort Worth; the Mall of America in Minneapolis and Charlotte-Concord, NC – underlining the company’s position as the world’s biggest global aquarium operator. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.
