Mar 8, 2021
Dominique Dawes, or as we knew her Dawesome Awesome, was a 10
year member of the U.S. National Gymnastics team, is a three-time
Olympian, and among her other stellar accomplishments - is the
first Black person to win an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics, in
1996 in Atlanta. She is dedicating her life to elevate the
next generation of gymnasts!
Michelle speaks with Dominique about the toxic culture of USA
Gymnastics and how it lead her to open up her own Gymnastics
Academy. Dominique has lived a life of service but in 2016 when the
Larry Nassar story was finally exposed for the horrific sexual
assaults he had been doing for decades it planted a seed in
Dominique for her to one day start her own Gymnastics Academy. That
day came on July 1, 2020 with the "Dominique Dawes Gymnastics
Academy and Ninja." In this interview Dominique doesn't hold back
on the toxic culture that she experiences growing up in the USA
Gymnastics and how it's time for them to become more transparent
and in her words "Clean Up and Clean House."
Here's a few takeaways:
-While Dominique trained she felt the culture was one of "fear,
intimidation and silence."
-Larry Nassar saw the vulnerability of the young athletes and took
advantage of it.
-Even before Dominique had children she had already decided she
wouldn't allow her children to be part of USAG.
-Dominiques husband was the first to talk with her about opening up
her own Academy to create a healthy culture in the sport of
Gymnastics.
-It's Dominique's mission to that every child that walks through
her doors will not only get quality gymnastics training but will
smile, laugh and have fun while they're doing it.
-Her top quality coaches will pull the greatness out of every child
they coach while building their self-esteem.
-In what's a priority in your life, if something matters enough to
you, you will make the time.
-Make sure to have time for yourself.
- When your body tells you to slow down, listen.
- Parents you are your children's role models!
- Get out of your own way and listen to how you speak to
yourself.
You can contact Dominique at:
info@dominiquedawesgymnasticsacademy.com
Visit her Academy Website:
Dominiquedawesgymnasticsacademy.com