Montgomery County unveils statue honoring Olympic athlete Dominique Dawes – NBC4 Washington

Olympic legend Dominique Dawes, a three-time Olympic competitor and the first African-American to win a gold medal in gymnastics, has been honored with a new statue at the Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center (SSRAC).

The statue of the Montgomery County native was unveiled Tuesday in front of her loved ones and hundreds of fans, honoring her groundbreaking career and her contribution to the sport of gymnastics.

During the ceremony, Dawes expressed her gratitude and stressed the importance of inspiring future generations.

“You want these inspiring women, inspiring figures who make people realize that anything is possible and that if they believe in it, don’t give up and don’t settle, they can reach their full potential,” Dawes said.

Dawes, who emphasized the importance of family during her speech, said her family is more important than any Olympic honor. She also expressed pride in her efforts to make gymnastics more accessible.

Dawes grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, and opened the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics and Ninja Academies in Montgomery County to promote a healthy and compassionate culture in sports.

“I never expected it to be such a diverse sport,” Dawes said of Team USA. “Honestly, if it wasn’t for the injuries, it would have been a 100 percent diverse team. It’s been amazing to see the girls bonding together as friends and they’re going to inspire the next generation.”

The sculpture, created by Brian Hanlon, took a year to complete and was inspired by a photo from the Atlanta Olympics.

“Picking a pose is the first step, and it was clear that that photo from the Atlanta Olympics was the one I had to use,” Hanlon said. “That changed women’s gymnastics forever.”

As the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris approach, Dawes is optimistic about Team USA’s chances.

“Team USA is going to do extremely well. I really hope they bring home a gold medal,” Dawes said. “Simone Biles is making her third Olympics — I was the last female gymnast to do that in America, so it’s exciting to know she’s following in my footsteps.”

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and Councilman Gabe Albornoz were among the officials attending the ceremony.

“Dominique Dawes has not only made history in the world of gymnastics, but she has also left an indelible mark on our community,” Elrich said. “Her accomplishments as an Olympian are extraordinary, but what truly sets her apart is her unwavering dedication to giving back to our community.”

Located at 1319 Apple Avenue, the SSRAC offers a variety of recreational and leisure amenities, including swimming pools, a gymnasium, fitness center and more. The center is also home to Montgomery County’s Sports Hall of Fame.