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Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes Empowers the Next Generation

Building self esteem and changing the culture within gymnastics, Dominique is doing it her way

This powerhouse three-time Olympian, four medal-winning mom still packs a punch in the world of gymnastics. Dominique Dawes is passionate about changing the culture of gymnastics. And with the opening of her new 'Dominique Dawes Gymnastics Academy and Ninja,' she is doing her best to ensure that every child that participates can do it in a positive, supportive and encouraging environment.

"It was a pretty big sacrifice as a gymnast," says Dominique. "There are the physical, mental and emotional strengths that go into it, and that's a lot on a young child."

From an early age, Dominique spent her childhood in the gym, focused on the hard work and discipline that would eventually take her to three Olympics and earn her a permanent place in the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.

"We sacrificed our childhoods. It was fruitful in some regards, but now as a mother, I know that I don't want that for my children," says Dominique.

Living through it gives Dominique a unique perspective on what it takes to be a young gymnast noting the drive and sacrifice required in aspiring to be an Olympian. She understands the stresses, the highs, and lows of competition and the unhealthy culture that, in recent years, has had the spotlight shown on it.

"What makes my perspective so unique is the fact that I went through it. I was in the gym for 18 years. A few years ago, when the negative things came out about Larry Nassar (the ex-U.S. Olympic gymnastics' team doctor convicted of abuse), it opened my eyes to how unhealthy the sport is," Dominique says. "I knew him for over a decade of my childhood and worked with him for two of our Olympics. People ask how he got away with it. I say it's because of the culture. He got away with it because of the culture."

Changing the unhealthy culture also means changing the way that the coaches treat and train the athletes. The disturbing revelation of the team doctor's use of his position over the girls lifted the lid on other practices by the coaches that were detrimental to the young gymnasts' well-being.

"We were all afraid. We would all show up for practice crying and leave practice crying, and all the adults around us did not protect us- even the good ones. Just because a coach can get a kid to the top of the podium does not mean that person is a great coach. Because on their way up there, they are tearing down and breaking the esteem of that young person, and once that kid steps down off the podium," Dominique says, "someone is going to have to help that kid pick up the pieces. It could be mom or dad or best friend or a spouse who will have to help that kid recognize they are a gift; that they are unique and are something special. And it's not because of the podium. They already had those amazing gifts inside of them. The sport of gymnastics and youth sports in general probably need some cleaning up, but I am thrilled I can play this small part in it, of speaking life to kids in my hometown."

Dominique says, "Helping the kids learn the life skills of discipline, goal setting, hard work and perseverance, in a positive way is why opening the academy in Clarksburg has truly been a passion of mine. My husband is a driving force on the floor. We are about creating this healthy culture to ensure that every kid who does the sport can do it in a positive and understanding environment. We want to make sure they are surrounded by positive role models who are teaching quality gymnastics and ninja skills." Dominique says, "We are excited that, in addition to the gym, we have a ninja course resembling American Ninja Junior training."

"It was imperative that we have happy, healthy, whole individuals to work with these kids," says Dominique. "For me, it was about getting the right team of people in place who recognize that words matter, that their actions matter and that they care about the impact they have in the life of every kid that walks through our door. Our staff understands that we can plant positive seeds in the lives of these children. We want to instill in our kids the understanding that commitment, hard work and perseverance pays off. Even if you fall slightly short of the goal, you will have learned so many lessons and life skills from these daily experiences that will serve you well in other walks of life," Dominique says.

The Dominique Dawes Academy and Ninja have programs for ages 1-14, and in a completely separate space, the preschool hosts 9-months to 6-years-old. The ninja program is for ages 4 through adult.

Dominique explains, "There is no long-term commitment, and you can join anytime during our program. We have cameras in every class and gym so that parents will be able to log in and see their child or grandchild practicing or accomplishing a goal, like getting to the top of the rope for the first time. And we offer preschool ninja, as well as gym birthday parties. They're a lot of fun. We are hosting them, with limitations due to Covid. We are also excited to offer corporate and team building events here at either our rec gym or our ninja course."

Aspire to Inspire is more than just a tag line. Each day, Dominique leads by example, empowering her team to serve, love, support and connect with every child who enters her doors. Her passion for redeeming the culture of gymnastics is contagious and it inspires others to elevate the sport for the next generation. DominiqueDawesGymnasticsAcademy.com

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