Athletes: Gymnastics, Dominique Dawes

STATS

Birthday: November 20, 1976
Hometown: Silver Springs, MD
Residence: Silver Springs, MD
Sport: Gymnastics

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Since the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and as a member of the Magnificent 7, Dominique has become a prominent figure in the eyes of young, college students and women. Dominique has dedicated her life to helping those in need of inspiration and motivation. She knows how a healthy self-esteem, the power of controlling ones thoughts and character plays an important role in impacting the audiences she inspires. Remembering the support she received as a child during her 18 year Olympic journey. Dominique continually drives to support young girls and women in sports and other aspects of life. She has a unique sparkle that lights up the screen and grabs the attention of everyone in the room--a wonderful individual and the queen of the gym floor.

Dominique’s dynamic and compassionate personality continues to influence others to persevere through all the challenges, lead by example and strive to reach their full potential in all aspects of their lives, while developing a healthy sense of self and impacting the world around them. Thriving on every opportunity she gets to inspire people to envision more for their lives correlates into her work with the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, where she was appointed by President Barack Obama as co-chair along with Quarterback Drew Brees. The PCFSN has partnered with First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move initiative promoting healthy eating and the importance of an active lifestyle to end the epidemic of childhood obesity in one generation. The Council’s mission is to engage, educate and empower all Americans to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition. In doing so, Dominique has captured the attention of millions through promoting the Presidential Active Lifestyle Awards (PALA) which has proven to jump start many Americans commitment to living a healthy lifestyle.

In addition to her healthy lifestyle movement, Dominique has  served as spokeswoman for the Girl Scouts of America’s Uniquely Me program, Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty and the American Heart Association’s Choose to Move program. Much of her work is directed toward women and youth, but she also speaks to corporations and non-profit organizations on leadership skills, goal-setting and teamwork.  Since her first passion is gymnastics, she continues to teach those on the local level. Dominique hosts FUNdamentals with Dominique Dawes, which is a one-day gymnastics clinic for competitive level gymnasts of all ages, focusing on fundamentals, goal setting and mental toughness.