“Don’t be afraid to be great,” Olympic Gold Medalist Gabrielle Douglas told the crowd, including young gymnasts, shortly before changing the name of Trumbull Street to “Tumble Street.”

In between messages of empowerment to aspiring athletes, Douglas said she was happy to be back in Hartford and that she loves coming to this city.

Friday’s ceremony was a promotion for the 2013 P&G Gymnastics Championships, which will take place at the XL Center in mid-August.

Despite the heat, a crowd formed, hoping to meet and pose for photos with the talented gymnast.