Dominique Dawes: Age, Date of Birth & other info
Dominique Dawes, a retired American gymnast, is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport. Known for her strength, precision, and exceptional athleticism, Dawes’ career has been marked by groundbreaking achievements and pivotal moments in the gymnastics world.
- Age: 48 Years
- Date of Birth: November 20, 1976
- Birth Place: Silver Spring, Maryland
- Weight: 119 pounds (54 kilograms)
- Height: 5 feet 2 inches (1.57 meters)
- Net Worth: $2.5 million
Early Life and Background
Dominique Dawes was born on November 20, 1976, in Silver Spring, Maryland, to a family of African-American descent. Her parents, Don and Loretta Dawes, supported her in her pursuit of gymnastics from an early age. Dominique was the youngest of three siblings, and it was clear early on that she had the talent and drive to succeed in the sport. She began gymnastics at the age of six, and her talent was evident from the start.
Gymnastics Career
Dominique Dawes began her gymnastics career at the prestigious Hill’s Gymnastics Club in the Washington D.C. area. Her dedication and discipline paid off as she quickly rose through the ranks in U.S. gymnastics. She first gained national attention when she won the 1990 Junior National Championship at the age of 13, marking her as a young talent to watch.By the age of 14, Dominique joined the senior ranks of American gymnastics and started competing in major international events. She made her first Olympic appearance at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics, where she became the first African-American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics as part of the U.S. women’s team.Her career reached new heights in 1996, during the Atlanta Summer Olympics. Dawes was a key member of the famous “Magnificent Seven” gymnastics team, which made history by winning the first-ever team gold medal for the U.S. women’s gymnastics team. In addition to the team gold, Dominique also earned a bronze medal in the floor exercise. This achievement cemented her legacy in gymnastics and made her an iconic figure in the sport.Dominique Dawes’ career continued with her participation in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where she competed in the individual all-around and the floor exercise, earning her a fifth-place finish overall.Dawes retired from competitive gymnastics after the 2000 Olympics, though her contributions to the sport continued to influence future generations of gymnasts. Her success helped pave the way for future African-American gymnasts to make their mark in the sport, and she became an important figure in advocating for diversity and inclusion in gymnastics.
Family Life
Dominique Dawes is the daughter of Don and Loretta Dawes. Her family played an instrumental role in her career, offering her support and encouragement throughout her training and competitions. She also has two older siblings, which helped form a tight-knit and supportive family unit.In 2013, Dominique Dawes married Dr. John L. Lister, an orthopedic surgeon. The couple has since become a family, and they have children together. While Dominique has maintained some level of privacy about her personal life, she is active in advocating for family and child development, particularly through her foundation, the Dominique Dawes Olympic Legacy Foundation. This non-profit organization aims to promote physical fitness and mental well-being for children and young adults, focusing on creating opportunities for underprivileged youth.
Post-Gymnastics Career and Advocacy
Since retiring from gymnastics, Dominique Dawes has been a strong advocate for youth sports and education. She has worked as a motivational speaker and community leader, encouraging young people to pursue excellence in both academics and athletics. She has also become a prominent figure in the fight for greater inclusivity and diversity within the world of gymnastics.In addition to her advocacy work, Dominique Dawes has participated in various media endeavors. She has appeared on several television programs, including Dancing with the Stars in 2008, where she competed as a contestant. Her charm, charisma, and passion for gymnastics shone through on the show, earning her a devoted fan base outside the gymnastics community.Dawes has also been involved with the Women’s Sports Foundation and other organizations that support women and girls in sports. She serves as a mentor to younger gymnasts, sharing her wisdom and experiences with the next generation.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Dominique Dawes’ net worth is estimated to be between $3 million to $4 million. Her wealth comes from a combination of earnings as a professional gymnast, endorsement deals, public speaking engagements, and her work in the media. Additionally, her foundation’s programs, as well as her involvement in gymnastics commentary and analysis, have contributed to her financial success.Throughout her career, Dawes has capitalized on her success by aligning herself with several brands, which has helped her remain financially stable post-retirement. While her career as an Olympic gymnast was relatively short compared to other athletes, she has managed to parlay her success into lasting recognition and opportunities outside of competition.
Conclusion
Dominique Dawes’ legacy as one of the most influential gymnasts in American history is firmly cemented. Her Olympic achievements, particularly her role in the 1996 “Magnificent Seven,” have made her an iconic figure in gymnastics, and her continued work as an advocate for youth and diversity in sports has solidified her as a role model and a leader in the community.With a net worth in the millions and a life dedicated to improving the lives of others, Dominique Dawes remains a symbol of strength, perseverance, and excellence. As she continues her advocacy work and raises her family, her contributions to gymnastics and her positive influence on future generations will undoubtedly remain a significant part of her legacy.
