Hidden Figures retells the story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughn, and Mary Jackson, three African-American math pioneers who helped changed the course of history as an integral part of the NASA team that successfully launched astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
Like Johnson, Vaughn and Jackson, three-time Olympian Dominique Dawes claimed her own place in American history as part of the historic gold medal winning ‘Magnificent Seven’ gymnastics team at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Earning medals in every Olympics she was a participant, Dawes is celebrated as a trailblazer for African-American women in the sport of gymnastics and a source of inspiration for legions of young women of color who dare to strive for Olympic greatness.
In New York to help promote Hidden Figures during the Olympics telecast, Dawes took a few minutes between speaking engagements to discuss the film, being an inspiration to champions Gabby Douglas, Simone Biles and Laurie Hernandez, and her call as a motivational speaker all while being a fabulous wife and mom to two young girls on the eve of her 40th birthday.
BSO: It’s been a very eventful Olympics for the Women’s Gymnastics team.
DD: It happens every four years. These girls have been dominating the Olympics for the last 4 years so it’s been very exciting for me.
BSO: Each time a new champion emerges, you are always among the top of the list as a source of inspiration. How does that continue to affect you in each passing Olympic games?
DD: Now that I am a 40 year old mother of two girls, I feel truly feel honored and blessed to know that I was able to help in a very small way to inspire Simone and Gabby. Just recently there was a story out of how I met Laurie when she was six years old and I gave her some words of encouragement and let her try on my gold medal. She still has the photo of she and I together and I just feel blessed and honored. It’s amazing to know that small interactions with these individuals, and me not giving up on my dreams and goals, was able to touch three amazing gymnasts.
BSO: Speaking of those amazing gymnasts I’d like to address what’s been happening this week with Gabby Douglas. She’s been beat up for everything from her hair to her hand on her heart. Do you think public scrutiny was more intense during your era as the only African American on the team or now where everyone with a smart phone or computer has a voice and direct access to athletes?
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