July 23rd 2024.
Over the years, the world of gymnastics has undergone a significant transformation towards diversity and inclusivity. In fact, a whopping eighty percent of the U.S. women's Olympic gymnastics team consists of women of color. This milestone has been recognized by legendary gymnast Dominique Dawes, who recently spoke to NBC News about the sport's progress. As the first Black gymnast to qualify for the Olympic trials in 1992, Dawes paved the way for future generations to come. Her illustrious career spanned three consecutive Olympic Games, earning her four medals and a historic team gold with the "Magnificent Seven" in Atlanta in 1996.
Reflecting on the current state of the sport, Dawes expressed her joy at seeing women of color dominating the world of gymnastics. "To see now, 32 years later, women of color excelling in the sport of gymnastics gives me hope that the sport is becoming more inclusive," she shared. This sentiment was echoed at last year's world championships, where the all-around podium was dominated by three talented Black women: Simone Biles, Rebeca Andrade, and Shilese Jones. However, the impact of diversity in gymnastics goes far beyond just competitions.
Jordan Chiles, who won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, once considered quitting the sport due to racism. "I didn't think people around me wanted to see a beautiful Black girl in a leotard anymore," she revealed. But with the inspiration and support from athletes like Dawes and Biles, Chiles persevered and is now proudly representing Team USA in Paris. It's a significant moment for the sport, as the U.S. Olympic Women's Gymnastics Team was recently announced, with a diverse group of athletes including Hezly Rivera, Jade Carey, Simone Biles, Suni Lee, and Jordan Chiles, along with traveling replacement athletes Joscelyn Roberson and Leanne Wong.
At 27 years old, Biles is set to become the oldest female gymnast to compete for the U.S. in over seven decades. Dawes, who was 23 at her last Olympic Games in 2000, expressed her admiration for Biles and the longevity of her career. "I love the fact that the longevity has extended beyond what I was able to accomplish," she said. Biles is on the verge of joining Dawes as the only female gymnast to represent the United States in three Olympic Games. Dawes has some advice for Biles, urging her to "enjoy the journey" and embrace every moment.
Despite the progress and success for women of color in gymnastics, Dawes also acknowledged the challenges she faced as a pioneer in a less diverse era. "Not only was I representing my country, but I was also representing my race," she shared. While gymnastics played a positive role in shaping her life, Dawes has chosen not to enroll her own children in elite gymnastics, wanting to protect them from the hardships she faced. This is a reminder that although we have come a long way, there is still work to be done towards creating a truly inclusive and supportive environment in the world of gymnastics.
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