Black Excellence in the DMV: Dominique Dawes

At the Washington Spirit, we are proud to celebrate Black Excellence not only within our club but also throughout the DMV. For this week’s Black History Month Spotlight, we honor Dominique Dawes—a legend in gymnastics, an advocate for young athletes, and a minority owner of the Spirit.

Born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, Dominique Dawes made history as a three-time Olympian and the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics. Competing in the 1992, 1996, and 2000 Olympics, Dawes became known for her powerful performances, unwavering determination, and signature grace on the mat. She played a pivotal role in the Magnificent Seven’s historic team gold medal win at the 1996 Atlanta Games, cementing her place as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Her success shattered barriers in a sport that had long lacked diversity, opening doors for generations of Black women who followed in her footsteps. Today, her influence is seen in the dominance of Black gymnasts on the world stage, proving that representation truly matters.

Even after retiring from competitive gymnastics, Dawes’ impact has only grown. In 2020, she founded the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academy, a training center designed to create a positive, inclusive, and healthy environment for young athletes.

Dawes’ journey is one of perseverance, excellence, and leadership. From making Olympic history to transforming youth sports, she has dedicated her life to ensuring that young Black athletes—especially girls—see a future for themselves in sports.

At the Washington Spirit, we are honored to have her as part of our family and to recognize her trailblazing legacy during Black History Month and beyond.

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