Dominique Dawes: Olympic Champion
Dominique Dawes is an Olympic icon, entrepreneur, and youth-development advocate whose leadership and legacy inspire healthier cultures, stronger communities, and a new generation of empowered athletes.
Quick Facts:
- Olympic gold medalist and three-time Olympian
- Owner of Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies
- Minority owner of the NWSL’s Washington Spirit
- Co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition
- Formats:
Keynote speaker, Olympic champion, entrepreneur, and youth-development advocate.
- Audiences:
Corporate teams, youth organizations, sports associations, educational institutions, leadership events, and audiences focused on resilience, culture building, and empowerment.
- Outcomes:
- A deeper understanding of building healthy, high-performing cultures
- Practical insights on resilience, character, and leading with integrity
- Inspiration to support youth, strengthen communities, and pursue purpose-driven excellence
- Travels from: Clarksburg, MD
- **Fee range: $20,001 - $35,000
Keynote 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 everyday 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
WOMEN’S HEALTH & HEART DISEASE
Dominique Dawes has worked with the American Heart Association as the spokesperson for the Choose to Move program for years, advancing their goal of informing everyone on how to combat cardiovascular disease.
In this keynote presentation, she focuses on the benefits of smart nutrition, everyday exercise, and commonsense core habits that each of us can implement to avoid the number one killer of women: cardiovascular disease.
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.
ENVISION: Reaching your Full Potential
ENVISION is an acronym for the 8 principles that helped Dawes become successful in and out of the athletic arena.
She crafts this speech specifically to motivate and empower the audience to envision greatness in their own lives. The core focuses are passion, plan, and perseverance.
Got D-3?
Determination, Dedication, Desire D-3 became Dawes’ personal motto when she was an Olympic athlete in the making. Fatigue, frustration, and loss of focus was common is such a perfectionist sport.
D-3 kept Dawes focused on what was going to allow her to stay on the path to success. She paints a vivid picture of moments in the gymnastics arena where D-3 inspired her to persevere through setbacks and struggles, sacrifices and insecurities, en route to Olympic Gold.
D-3 has become a staple in Dawes’ athletic and professional accomplishments. She inspires audiences to develop their own personal motto that will help define and direct them in life too!
Talent Short Bio
Dominique Dawes is a three-time Olympian, Olympic gold medalist, and one of the most influential figures in the history of American gymnastics. Known for her groundbreaking achievements as the first African American woman to win an individual Olympic medal in artistic gymnastics, she became a household name as part of the legendary “Magnificent Seven,” the 1996 U.S. women’s team that captured America’s first gold in the team event.
Beyond competition, Dominique has become a champion for athlete well-being, healthy training environments, and long-term youth development. As the owner of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies, she is redefining what supportive, compassionate coaching looks like. Her academies were built to shift the culture of gymnastics toward safety, joy, confidence, and whole-person growth.
Dominique’s impact extends into sports leadership and public service. She served as co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition under the Obama administration, is a minority owner of the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League, and recently executive-produced the Emmy-nominated Peacock docu-series Golden, chronicling elite U.S. gymnasts preparing for Tokyo.
Videos
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Overview of User Reviews for Dominique's Presentations
Dominique is highly praised across multiple reviews for her engaging and inspiring presentations. Users consistently highlight her genuine personality, relatability, and ability to connect with both adults and children, making her an exceptional speaker. Attendees noted that her remarks were heartfelt and thought-provoking, leading to a significant positive response from the audience. Reviewers from various organizations, including Collier Athletic Club and TSJ Hope Builders, emphasized her effectiveness in inspiring and motivating participants, often describing her as one of the best speakers they have encountered.
On the downside, there are no notable weaknesses mentioned in the reviews. Feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with users expressing satisfaction and a lack of constructive criticism regarding her performance.
In summary, Dominique is an outstanding speaker whose presentations leave a lasting impact, making her a highly recommended choice for events looking for inspiration and engagement.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
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Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
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- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
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