Olympic Gold Medalist
Actress & Broadcaster
From Olympic Gold Medalist to Broadway to television analyst to President of the Women's Sports Foundation (2005-2006), Dominique Dawes continues on a path to inspire, motivate and lead.
Dominique's start in gymnastics began at the age of 6. Her first and only coach, Kelli Hill quickly realized her potential. Dominique began competing at the age of 10. She burst into the international spotlight in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. She was the first African American gymnast to ever qualify and compete in an Olympic Games. At these Games she and her teammates captured a bronze medal. Since then Dominique has won more National Championship medals than any other athlete, male or female, since 1963, as well as numerous World Championship medals. One of Dominique's greatest feats came when she swept all four events and won the All Around title at the 1994 National Championships.
At the 1996 Olympic Games Dominique and the U.S. Gymnastics team made history and stole the hearts of Americans with their team gold medal. At those same Games, "Awesome Dawesome" (as she is known by her coach and teammates) became the first African-American to win an individual gymnastics medal with her bronze on the floor. Following her triumphs at the Olympics, Dominique appeared on the Wheaties cereal box, performed in a music video by Prince ("Betcha by Golly Wow"), and acted on a number of television shows. Dominique has also appeared on Broadway in the hit musical Grease, where she played the part of Patty Simcox.
As a result of her determination and ability, Dominique has received several awards including the Henry P. Iba Citizen Award, presented annually to two outstanding athletes who have demonstrated good citizenship. Dominique was named Sportsperson of the year by U.S.A. Gymnastics, and she was also a finalist for the AAU Sullivan Award, which recognizes the U.S.A.'s top amateur athlete and the Nickelodean Kid's Choice Awards.
Dominique is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park. While she was a full-time student she remained focused and committed to her multiple career opportunities. Due to her drive and dedication Dominique is becoming a renowned public speaker, speaking on multiple issues including, but not limited to, health issues, sports participation, equality (African American/Women's rights), and self-esteem. Additionally, Dominique continues to gain experience in the world of broadcasting. At the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane, Australia, she commentated on the sports of men's and women's artistic gymnastics and women's rhythmic gymnastics with TNT. She has also worked with her local CBS affiliate in Washington, D.C., reporting general interest stories (Black History month features). At the 2002 NCAA National Gymnastics Championship in Tuscaloosa, AL, she provided on-air reporting with CBS Sports, and she provided commentary and analysis at the Big 12 Regionals in Lincoln, Nebraska with Fox Sports Net. She also shoots features for Comcast Sports on a regular basis. Additionally, Dominique has appeared on CNN for an Olympic overview and was the analyst for the Big 12 Gymnastics Nationals for Fox Sports Net.
Dominique enjoys being a spokesperson for many organizations and campaigns. Dominique often focuses appearances on youth and women's health issues and women's participation in sports for organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and other projects run by corporations. She has spoken at presidential inaugural events, Women's National Sports Day, school graduations, military functions, corporate events, Women's Sports Foundation engagements, local political events, Girls Scouts of America functions, and gymnastics meets.
Recently Dominique teamed up with Dove to bring attention to the next phase of the Campaign for Real Beauty, which is to address the critical issue of self-esteem in women and young girls.
While continuing her commitment to helping today's girls realize their full potential, Dominique has teamed up with Girl Scouts of the USA and Unilever to launch UNIQUELY ME! THE GIRL SCOUT/ UNILEVER SELF-ESTEEM PROGRAM. The goal of this national initiative is to address the effects of low self-esteem among girls ages 8-to-14, with a specific focus on those in under-represented communities. Dominique will share her unique experiences as a top athlete, distinguished citizen, and a positive television personality to inspire and empower girls to feel good about themselves and fulfill their dreams.
Coaching
Dawes offers private lessons in the sport of gymnastics with the emphasis on strength and flexibility improvement, perfecting the fundamentals, to mental toughness training and developing self-motivation and focus.
COMPETITIVE HIGHLIGHTS
2000Sydney Olympic Games
1998
Inducted into the USA Gymnastics Team Hall of Fame (1996 Olympic Team)
1996
Atlanta Olympic Games - 1st - team; 3rd - FX
US Olympic Trials - 1st AA
National Championships - 1st - V, UB, BB & FX
World Championships - 3rd - BB
1995
National Championships - 1st - UB, FX; 3rd - BB
1994
Team World Championships - 2nd - Team
National Championships - 1st - AA, V, UB, BB & FX
McDonald's American Cup - 1st - AA, V, BB, FX
1993
World Championships - 2nd - UB, BB
National Championships - 1st - V & BB; 2nd - AA, FX; 3rd - UB
1992
Barcelona Olympic Games - 3rd - Team
U.S. Gymnastics Championships - 1st UB
AWARDS & HONORS
- Current President of the Women's Sports Foundation (2004-2006)
- Inducted into USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame, Individual, 2005
- AAUW Women of Distinction Award, 2004
- "Caring Hands, Caring Hearts" Award, Ronald McDonald House Charities and Children Around the World, 2003
- Inducted into USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame, Team, 1998
- Essence Award, 1997
- Consulted with Under Armour for their women's apparel line of athletic wear, 2001-2004
- Henry P. Iba Citizen Award, presented annually to two outstanding athletes who have demonstrated good citizenship, 1995
- Sports Person of the Year by U.S.A. Gymnastics, 1994
- Finalist for the AAU Sullivan Award, which recognizes the U.S.A.'s top amateur athlete, 1994
- WUSA-DC/CBS General Interest pieces 1998
- Goodwill Games, TNT, 2001
- NCAA National Gymnastics Championship, CBS Sports, 2002
- Big 12 Regionals, FoxSports Net - 2002
- Summer Olympics Analyst, Comcast SportsNet, 2004
- Big 10 Championships, CSTV - 2005
Products:
Motivational CD to inspire those to reach their full potential and ENVISION.
Due out Fall 2006
Special note:
Currently one of Dominique's Olympic leotards and a piece of gymnastics equipment are among the notable sports memorabilia at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC.
Personal:
Dominique, a native of Silver Spring, MD, is a middle child with one older sister and a younger brother with autism. Her grandmother, Lillian Dawes, was full Native American (part of the Pascatawa tribe). Dominique, her high school prom queen, enjoys golf, practicing ashtanga yoga, working out, and singing.
