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BHM: Dominique Dawes was the 1st Black Person to Win an Olympic Gold Medal in Gymnastics

JimmyJamHarris

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Did you know Dominique Dawes was the first black person of ANY nationality or xes to earn an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics(gold with the magnificent seven in 1996?) Dominique was also the first African-American woman to earn an individual medal at the Olympics in gymnastics(bronze on floor in 1996.)

Dominique is also the first person to be a member of three Olympic medal winning teams(1992, 1996, and 2000.)

She was named President of the Women's Sports Federation(2004-2006), the youngest in the Foundation's history. In 2010, President Obama made Dominique co-chair of the President's council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition.

In July 2020, Dominique opened a gym titled "Dominique Dawes Gymnastics Academy" in Clarksburg Maryland. The Academy offers gymnastics and ninja warrior classes with obstacles, rock climbing, and rope climbing.


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AmethysTea

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I always thought she was the most graceful gymnast on the team. Glad she found a post-competition career that was so tailor made for her accomplishments.
 

Chignon

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She’s the reason I started gymnastics classes as a child. I love her!
 

Ports and Slims

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I LOVED both Domoniques. Moceanu was really really tiny like me. But Dawes!!! Dawes was really that girl!! She made me so proud to be black and I definitely found an interest in gymnastics because of her. Only took a few classes but I love the sport. I remember being glued to the TV watching each gymnastics event. Plus it was in Atlanta!!! To this day, I wonder if she really understands the magnitude of just seeing not only a Black girl but a Black GOLD Medalist on TV did for all of us at home?!?! Like, you really couldn't tell me sh!t because Domonique Dawes was an Olympic medalist.
 

NicholeRose

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Gymnastics is my fave sport, but I got too tall for it, love watching it. Loved Dominique D.
 

jaipea

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I really admired Dominique back in the day and always wondered what did she do post career. I had been watching her since 91-92 and she was such an inspiration to me as a 12 yr old black girl when she went to the 92 Olympics. I could see the power and grace she had and I loved it. She was 16 then. I knew she would be back for that gold 4 years later.

She has made history and should be given her flowers more. She has certainly deserved it.
 

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