Legendary Gymnast
Dominique Dawes is one of only three US women gymnasts to compete at three Olympics. Dominique won four Olympic medals, with gold in the 1996 team event, team bronzes in 1992 and 2000, and individual bronze on the floor exercise in 1996.
At the 1992 Olympics, Dominique and her teammate Betty Okino became the first African American females to win an Olympic medal in gymnastics. Additionally, Dominique’s 1996 Olympic performance earned her two important designations. First, during the team competition, she was the only team member to have all eight of her scores count towards the total. Her performance not only contributed to the first American gymnastics title but also made Dominique the first black woman of any nationality to win an Olympic gold in gymnastics. On top of that, after earning her individual bronze in that same Olympics, Dominique became the first African-American to win an individual medal in Olympic gymnastics as well.
She also won three silver medals and one bronze medal at the World Championships. Further, between 1991 and 1996 Dawes won 15 U.S. National Championships and is the only gymnast in history to sweep all four event finals at the National Championships twice.
Inductions & Awards
Dominique Dawes has earned many honors since her gymnastics career came to a close, including:
- Induction into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame
- Induction into the USA Olympic Hall of Fame
- Induction into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame
- Induction into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame
- 1994 USA Gymnastics Sportsperson of the Year
- AAUW Women of Distinction Award
- Ronald McDonald House Caring Hands, Caring Hearts Award
Other Endeavors
After her gymnastics ended, Dawes graduated from the University of Maryland and pursued a career in acting and modeling, appearing on Broadway in a revival of “Grease,” and in one of Prince’s music videos. From 2004 to 2006, Dominique served as president of the Women’s Sports Foundation. She was the youngest president in the Foundation’s history. In June 2010, President Obama also appointed Dominique to be co-chair of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, with NFL quarterback Drew Brees.
Newscasting & Interviewing
Dominique has served as a co-host for Yahoo! News’ Weekend Edition and as an Olympic correspondent for FOX Sports. As part of FOX Sports’ analyst team during the 2012 London Olympic Games, Dominique recapped daily events and conducted a sit-down interview with All-Around Gold Medalist Gabrielle Douglas. While in London, Dominique was also interviewed by top national media including USA Today, Piers Morgan, and Good Morning America. She was also a part of the President and First Lady’s Olympic Delegation and had the privilege to interview the First Lady.
Keynote Speaking
After years of dedication to gymnastics and a brief stint on Broadway, Dominique decided to focus on her passion for encouraging, educating, and motivating others on the topics of health, fitness, and empowerment. Today, she is a highly requested keynote speaker who delivers powerful and inspiring messages on leadership, personal drive, building your foundation for success, and living a healthy lifestyle. From corporate executives to small business owners, women’s groups, and youth organizations, countless organizations have benefited from hiring Dominique Dawes.
