Dominique Dawes, the first African American to win an individual Olympic medal in gymnastics, was born in 1976

November 20

On November 20, 1976, Dominique Dawes was born.

Dominique Dawes is known for breaking color barriers in gymnastics. She was the first African American to win an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics. She was also the first African American to win an individual Olympic medal in gymnastics.  

Today, as the owner of a gymnastics academy Dawes uses her skills and expertise to mentor the next generation of gymnasts. Her gymnastics academy, the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics and Ninja Academy, is located in Clarksburg, Maryland.

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Sources

Dominique Dawes – family, Olympics & facts – biography. (n.d.-b). https://www.biography.com/athletes/dominique-dawes 

Dominique Dawes Biography, olympic medals, records and age. (n.d.-c). https://olympics.com/en/athletes/dominique-dawes