Dominique Dawes

Three-time Olympian, Olympic Gold Medalist, and Gymnastics Academy Owner

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About

Three-time Olympian, Olympic Gold Medalist, and Gymnastics Academy Owner

Owner of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies, Dominique opened the gyms to continue her commitment to developing a healthy and compassionate culture in the sport of gymnastics. Her first academy opened in the midst of a global pandemic, in July 2020, her second location opened in 2023, and third Academy in 2024 located in Columbia, MD. Dawes holds minority ownership of the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League, and she also became part of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons ownership group as a Limited Partner in 2024. Dominique served as the co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition under the Obama administration alongside Drew Brees. Alongside LeBron James and Maverick Carter, she served as Executive Producer of the Peacock docu-series “Golden”, the journey of USA’s elite gymnasts on the road to the Tokyo Olympics, which was nominated for a Sports Emmy.

Dawes holds her degree from the University of Maryland and was inducted into UMD’s prestigious Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2024, her hometown of Montgomery County, Maryland honored her career and legacy with a life-size statue to continue inspiring the next generation to follow in her footsteps.

As a wife, mother of four, Olympian, and business owner, Dominique Dawes has transcended the world of sports, politics, entertainment and culture.

Video Library

Speech Topics

Success Is a Journey, Not a Destination

Dominique Dawes won Olympic gold. But for her, success is so much more than medals and accolades: it’s something she worked hard to achieve every day en route to Olympic glory. Her journey in the sport of gymnastics lasted 18 years and in those years she stood strong on numerous podiums, leaving lasting impressions in the hearts of fans. The podium was the destination, but the long-term goal? It’s the moments in between—what she calls the “journey”—that helped her realize the success that she was always striving for. Overcoming the inevitable obstacles, challenges, and doubts are the moments in the journey that build the champion in Dawes. Surrounding herself with the right team, developing the mindset to persevere, and turning negative situations into life lessons is how Dawes realized Success Is a Journey, NOT a Destination.

“Building a Strong Foundation for Success

Building a solid foundation was one of the keys to Dawes’ success. Her emphasis on a solid foundation touches on multiple areas: from healthy lifestyle choices to developing positive self-esteem where she addresses issues such as peer pressures, productive attitudes, and values. The audience will walk away empowered, motivated, and, more importantly, clear on what it takes to build a strong foundation worthy of your dreams.”

Beyond the Gold: Teamwork, Resilience, and Lasting Impact

Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast Dominique Dawes delivers an inspiring keynote that goes beyond the glory of the podium to uncover the real keys to success—resilience, teamwork, and purpose. As a member of the legendary Magnificent Seven, Dominique shares powerful lessons from her journey, emphasizing that success is a journey, not a destination, that even individual success requires a team effort, and that family is the ultimate team. Drawing from her transition from elite gymnast to entrepreneur, she discusses her passion for finding purpose through the challenges we face in life and her mission to empower the next generation through the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academy, a space designed to instill confidence, character, and self-worth in young athletes. Through compelling stories and practical insights, Dominique will inspire you to build resiliency through changes and challenges, uplift those around you, and build a legacy that lasts—because while the gold may tarnish, the work that gets you there never will.

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Avery Akkineni

Chief Marketing Officer, VaynerX Former President, Vayner3, Former Managing Director, VaynerMedia APAC & LatAm

Will Guidara

Restaurateur, Eleven Madison Park, The #1 Restaurant in the World; New York Times Bestselling Author, Unreasonable Hospitality

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