U.S. Gold Medalists Simone Biles, Gabrielle Douglas, Lauren Hernandez, Madison Kocian, and Alexandra Raisman stand on the podium for the national anthem at the medal ceremony for the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Team Final on August 9. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

U.S. Gold Medalists Simone Biles, Gabrielle Douglas, Lauren Hernandez, Madison Kocian, and Alexandra Raisman stand on the podium for the national anthem at the medal ceremony for the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Team Final on August 9. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

American gymnast Gabby Douglas helped win another gold for Team USA, but found herself having to defend her patriotism.

She tweeted she didn’t mean to offend anyone by not placing her hand over her heart during the U.S. national anthem yesterday. Her message comes after criticism on Twitter that questioned her etiquette and patriotism.

“I always stand at attention out of respect for our country whenever the national anthem is played,” Douglas explained.

Among Douglas’ supporters were people who insist that there are more important things to worry about.

In 2012, the then 16-year-old Virginia Beach native became the first American woman to win the Olympic gold medal in both the team and individual all-around gymnastics competition in London.

On Sunday, Douglas finished third behind American teammates Simone Biles and Aly Raisman, and won’t able to defend her title because each country can only have two competitors in tomorrow’s all-around final. “I’m not disappointed at all,” the 20-year-old champion told the Associated Press. “I have no regrets.”

But yesterday, Douglas was part of the five-strong team that finished first in the women’s team gymnastics event. “I’m so overwhelmed at what our team accomplished today and overjoyed that we were able to bring home another gold for our country!” she tweeted.

Another medal winner had an unscripted moment during the National Anthem. When Maryland native and swimming phenomenon Michael Phelps burst into laughter when it played after yet another gold, it became an opportunity to teach a Baltimore tradition.

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