Olympic Gymnast Dominique Dawes to Speak on Success

by Jaime Bates, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes will be the special guest speaker at the 22nd Annual Black Heritage Banquet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, on the fifth floor of the Cashion Building on the Baylor University campus. The banquet, sponsored by the Baylor University Association of Black Students in conjunction with the Department of Multicultural Activities, is held in honor of Black History Month.

During her visit to Baylor, Dawes will speak on "Success is a Journey."

Dawes is best known as a member of the gold medal-winning "Magnificent Seven" at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. She has won more National Championship medals than any other athlete, male or female, since 1963 and is one of only three female American gymnasts to participate in three Olympic Games. She has won three Olympic medals: two bronze and one gold. Dawes became the first female African-American gymnast to earn an individual medal in the 1996 Atlanta Games, earning her a permanent place in the U.S. Olympic Committee Hall of Fame.

After retiring from gymnastics, Dawes became a motivational speaker, focusing on topics such as, passion, leadership, teamwork, health, fitness and wellness. She continues to stay involved in gymnastics by hosting clinics and working as an analyst for the media.

Tickets for the banquet are $20 and can be purchased at the Baylor ticket office in the Bill Daniel Student Center or at Marilyn's Gift Gallery at 818 Elm St.

For more information contact Kelley Kimple at (254) 710-6949.