Dominique Dawes Biography: Olympic Medals, Age, Awards, Children, Ethnicity, Instagram, Height, Net Worth, Husband, Religion

Dominique Margaux Dawes also known as Dominique Dawes is a pioneering American artistic gymnast celebrated as the first African American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics.

A three-time Olympian and member of the historic Magnificent Seven, she has inspired generations through her achievements, advocacy for athlete welfare, and commitment to positive youth development via her gymnastics academy.

Dominique Dawes
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Dominique Margaux Dawes
Stage Name:	Dominique Dawes
Born:	November 20, 1976 (age 49 years old)
Place of Birth:	Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
Nationality:	American
Ethnicity:	African American
Height:	157 cm
Religion:	Catholicism
Parents:	Don Dawes and Loretta Dawes
Siblings:	Daniel Dawes and Don Dawes Jr.
Spouse:	Jeff Thompson
Relationship:	Married
Children:	Kateri Thompson, Quinn Thompson, Dakota Thompson, Lincoln Thompson
Occupation:	Former Artistic Gymnast, Motivational Speaker, Entrepreneur, Academy Owner
Net Worth:	$2.5 million USD

Early Life and Education

Dominique Margaux Dawes was born on November 20, 1976, in Silver Spring, Maryland.

She grew up with parents Don Dawes and Loretta Dawes. Her ethnicity is African American. She has siblings Daniel Dawes and Don Dawes Jr.

Her religion is Catholicism. She began gymnastics at age six and trained under coach Kelli Hill, later moving in with her coach to pursue intensive training while balancing academics. She attended the University of Maryland, earning a degree in broadcasting and communications.

Career

Dominique Dawes joined the U.S. national team and competed at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, where the team earned bronze.

She became the 1994 U.S. all-around senior national champion, sweeping multiple event titles.

At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, she helped the Magnificent Seven secure the first U.S. women’s team gold and won individual bronze on floor exercise.

She returned for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, contributing to team bronze. Known for her power, artistry, and longevity as a three-time Olympian, she later served as President of the Women’s Sports Foundation, co-chaired the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, and worked as a commentator.

She founded the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academy to promote a healthier environment in the sport and continues motivational speaking, advocacy, and business ventures focused on wellness and youth empowerment.

Awards and Nominations

• Olympic team gold (1996) and individual bronze (1996)
• Olympic team bronze (1992, 2000)
• World Championships medals including silvers on uneven bars and balance beam (1993)
• U.S. National All-Around Champion (1994)
• Inducted into U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame, Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame, and University of Maryland Hall of Fame
• Multiple national and international honors for contributions to sports and advocacy

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @dominiquedawesofficial

Personal Life

Dominique Dawes, 49 years old, has been married to educator Jeff Thompson since May 25, 2013. The couple has four children: daughters Kateri and Quinn, and twins Dakota and Lincoln. She converted to Catholicism before marriage.

No other significant past relationships are widely documented. She has spoken openly about challenges in her own upbringing, a miscarriage, and her focus on providing a positive childhood for her children while advocating for mental health and athlete well-being. Her height is 157 cm.

Net Worth

Dominique Dawes‘s net worth is estimated at $2.5 million USD. She generates income primarily from speaking engagements, gymnastics academy operations, endorsements, media appearances, books, and leadership roles in sports organizations developed after her competitive career.