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Dominique Dawes - Time To Move On

Dawes's performance at the 2000 games was disappointing. The U.S. team struggled to avoid being eliminated in the early rounds. Eventually, they ended up in fourth place and Dawes, the sentimental favorite to win gold, went home empty-handed. But she insists she's been made stronger by this and finds comfort in her curiosity, her optimism, and her religious faith.

Many consider Dawes a primary example of the new generation of athlete. She exemplified the surge of powerful and innovative sports figures who proliferated in the 1990s. Her consistently powerful performances through some of the highest drama in recent sports memory, endeared her to millions of Americans and her fellow competitors. The fact that she broke down a stubborn wall for African American gymnasts adds to her already impressive legacy.

Where Is She Now?

Now retired, Dawes has stayed very involved in both gymnastics and inspirational speaking. She completed a stint with Washington D.C.'s local CBS affiliate where she profiled exceptional citizens. She was also a commentator for TNT at the Goodwill Games.

But Dawes' focus after retiring has been primarily on self-esteem issues. Her experiences on the road and in competition made Dawes acutely aware of the pressures girls go through. "Dig deep inside and celebrate yourself," she told Teenwire.com. "Find out who you are as a person and what's good about you. Both negative and positive attitudes are contagious; make sure to surround yourself with positive ones." She's been an official speaker for the Girl Scouts, speaking at events with a consistent message that success comes from respecting yourself first.

On the gymnastics front, Dawes was recently named Co-chair of The 2003 Visa American Cup, the first step on the road to the 2003 World Championships.

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