Gabby Douglas wins athlete of the year

Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas has been named AP's female athlete of the year. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas has been named AP's 2012 female athlete of the year, edging out fellow Olympian Missy Franklin for the title. Douglas received 48 of 157 votes cast by U.S. editors and news directors. Franklin took second with 41 votes, and Serena Williams received 24 votes.

At just 16 years old, Gabby Douglas became the first African-American to win the Olympic all-around gold in gymnastics. Now she adds another honor to the list, becoming the fourth gymnast to win AP's athlete of the year.

Since winning the all-around title at the Olympics, Douglas has attracted deals with Kellogg, Nike and AT&T. Her book "Grace, Gold and Glory" is fourth on the New York Times' young adult list.