Douglas' success bittersweet for coach

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Nearly two years have passed since Gabby Douglas left Virginia Beach to train in Iowa, and her former gymnastics coach told WAVY.com she is experiencing bittersweet feelings regarding Douglas' success in the Olympics so far.

"We spent a lot of time, a lot of effort, a lot of finances making sure that she came out on top," Dena Walker told WAVY.com.

Walker says she knew the moment Douglas started taking gymnastics classes she had potential.

"She was 8-years-old when she got here and the minute she walked into the door, it was obvious she was talented," Walker said. "She was small, flexible... everything you need to be a world-class gymnast."

However, their 7-year long relationship ended abruptly in September 2010. Walker says she had no idea Douglas was leaving Virginia to train in Iowa.

"I was out of town when she left. I was at my stepdaughter's wedding," Walker said. "I had picked her up at her house that morning and let her know that I would not not be back until that next Thursday, but I let her know that I had a ride for her from my partner if she needed it. She was very happy as always. She was smiling as always and said, 'Thank you,' and then I did not see her again until May of this year."

Douglas' mother, Natalie Hawkins, moved Gabby to Des Moines, Iowa where Gabby began her training with Liang Chow's Gymnastics.

Walker says she fostered a close relationship with the young gymnast.

"We have not just time invested and finances invested, but a lot of emotions invested in Gabby because for me, she was like family," Walker said.

WAVY.com tried to contact Hawkins, but was unsuccessful. 

Hawkins spoke to Yahoo Sports about the move to Iowa:

"[It was the] worst, gut-wrenching decision I have ever made in my entire life. Lost sleep, lost hair, earned a few grays, I cried. You have this one chance to get this right. You mess this up, it's not going to come around again. This is gymnastics.'"

Despite the loss of Douglas as her student, Walker says she is still happy for her.

"I think children do what they are told," Walker said. "But when she becomes an adult, I think she will look back and know that we were very involved in where she ended up in her career."

Douglas and her four teammates captured the women's gymnastics team gold medal Tuesday before Douglas captured gold herself in the women's all-around finals.