American gymnast and actress who won four Olympic medals, including a gold, and was the first African American to win an individual Olympic medal in gymnastics.
Dominique Margaux Dawes is a retired American artistic gymnast renowned for her incredible skills on the floor exercise, beam, and vault, earning her the nickname "Awesome Dawesome" in the gymnastics community. As a 10-year member of the U.S. national gymnastics team, she boasts an impressive résumé, including three Olympic Games appearances, multiple World Championship medals, and a coveted spot on the gold-medal-winning Magnificent Seven team at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
Born on November 20, 1976, in Silver Spring, Maryland, to Don and Loretta Dawes, Dominique enrolled in gymnastics at the tender age of 6 with coach Kelli Hill. Her natural talent and dedication soon paid off, as she won her first competition at age 9. As she grew older, Dawes moved to Gaithersburg, Maryland, to be closer to her coach's gym, focusing on her craft and paving the way for her future success.
At just 10 years old, Dawes was competing as a junior elite, placing 17th in the all-around junior division at her first U.S. National Championships in 1988. By the early 1990s, she was achieving success both nationally and internationally, placing 3rd in the all-around in the junior division at the 1990 U.S. National Championships. In 1992, at the age of 15, Dawes represented the United States at the USA vs. Japan dual meet, solidifying her position as a rising star in the gymnastics world.
Dominique Dawes is one of only three female American gymnasts, along with Muriel Grossfeld and Linda Metheny-Mulvihill, to compete in three Olympics and be part of medal-winning teams. She is also the first female gymnast to be part of three Olympic-medal-winning teams since Ludmilla Tourischeva won gold in Mexico City 1968, Munich 1972, and Montreal 1976. Dawes' impressive achievements have inspired generations of gymnasts, cementing her status as a true legend in the sport.
In addition to her Olympic triumphs, Dawes has overcome personal struggles, including the loss of her mother to cancer in 2000. Through her resilience and determination, she has become an inspiration to many, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, one can achieve greatness.
Dawes has spoken publicly about the importance of self-confidence, perseverance, and hard work in achieving success. Her philosophy can be summed up in her own words: "Believe in yourself, take risks, and never give up on your dreams."
30 Years Old
First African American gymnast to win individual Olympic gold, known for her trailblazing achievements and inspiring a new generation of gymnasts.
49 Years Old
Seven-time Olympic medalist and nine-time World Championship medalist, dominating the sport of gymnastics in the 1990s with her impressive skills and record-breaking performances.
58 Years Old
The first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in gymnastics at the Olympics, known for her historic 1984 Olympic performance and iconic status in the sport.
48 Years Old
American gymnast and runner who won gold at the 1996 Olympics with a dramatic vault performance, cementing her place in sports history.
36 Years Old
Russian-American gymnast and actress known for winning the all-around gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and appearing in TV shows and films. She's a celebrated athlete and entertainer.
35 Years Old
A talented halfback who led the Kiwis to the 2013 World Cup final and is renowned for his exceptional skill, speed, and agility on the field.
32 Years Old
Olympic gold medalist and captain of the US women's gymnastics team, known for her advocacy against sexual abuse and her role in exposing the USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal.
29 Years Old
American gymnast and Olympic medalist renowned for record-breaking performances and unprecedented dominance in the sport, pushing the boundaries of human physicality.
