27. Januar 2008  
Culver City, Calif./USA  
Artistic Gymnastics

Dominique Dawes - one of the legendary Magnificent Seven ...

Dominique Dawes (USA)
Photo: KNBC

In an interview on the U.S channel 4KNBC the member of the 1996 "Magnificent Seven" US  team", Dominique DAWES (31) said: "I backed away [from gymnastics] for about a year and realized, 'I need to come back to the sport.'
Dawes, in Culver City (Calif.) for a meet, said. "After my three Olympics, I've definitely changed my passion, and it's focused on motivating young people, as well as women."
More than a decade removed from helping the U.S. snag Olympic gold, renowned gymnast Dominique Dawes is still immersed in the sport, albeit from a different vantage point.

Dawes, at her last Olympic Games, 2000, Sydney

Harnessing the spirit that led to three Olympic appearances -- including a gold medal in 1996 for her part in America's "Magnificent Seven" team -- Dawes said her goals in the sport have changed since her retirement from competition in 2000.

Dawes was the first black gymnast to ever win an individual event medal, began imparting her insights to young gymnasts across the country via private lessons and clinics.
She said a major aspect of her tutelage is teaching her pupils the psychological aspects of the sport.
source: 4KNBC

* EXTERNAL LINK to
KNBC Video: Olympian Dominique DAWES Teaches Young Gymnasts