The 90’s brings back great memories for most of us; the new jack swing music, Starter Jackets and Air Jordans. As a child, I also remember when the Olympics came to Atlanta. That was such an exciting and proud moment for us Atlantans.
After having watched the Olympics a number of times on television, I became very interested in the gymnastics portion of the 
competition. As I watched in 1992, there was one African American girl that kept getting high scores. She was captivating! This time, in Atlanta, she won a bronze individual meda,l and gold for her team performance with the ‘Magnificent Seven.’ She became the first African American gymnast to win an individual medal and her name is Dominique Dawes.
“Starting the sport when I was six years old with my older sister, gymnastics was something positive that I could devote my energy to.” The highly competitive sport taught her more than how to tumble; it helped prepare her for a healthy balanced life. “It has helped me understand the importance of nutrition and physical activity.”
When people think of living a healthy lifestyle they automatically think of trendy diets and long days at the gym. Dominique puts fitness into perspective saying, “Sometimes I only workout three times a week and sometimes I skip the gym all together and just walk my dog. Being active for me is not about a strict regimen. It’s not about a number; it’s about feeling good, not being a certain size.” She also enjoys yoga and pilates.
This balance that she speaks of is even evident in her eating habits. “Eighty percent of the times I eat healthy and 20% of the time I eat the foods I enjoy (pizza and French fries). To those struggling with losing weight she offers this advice, “Live to eat, don’t eat to live. It’s really about self-control and if you can’t control yourself with certain foods you may have to make a sacrifice and give up those things. Know where you are and put your health first.”
“One of my goals is to encourage others to get moving and be active,” she said. Along with NFL Quarterback Drew Brees, Dominique is the Co-Chair of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition which aims to promote healthy lifestyles amongst Americans. “We go out and motivate Americans to understand the benefits of fitness. People often know what to do but they don’t know how to get motivated.”
One avenue they are using to motivate people is the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) in which participants win awards for meeting fitness and nutrition recommendations. The program helps you commit to making physical activity and healthy eating a part of your daily lifestyle.
Dominique is also a woman of faith and understands the importance of leaning and depending on God for every aspect of her life; fitness and beyond. “Looking at your body as a temple helps keep us in the right focus. We are weak individuals so we have to lean on him in those areas. I’ve been strengthened by my faith.”
She continues on aiming to win, but this time she’s not hoping for a gold medal, but to leave a legacy. “I want to show people that no matter what environment or circumstance you come from, it is your choice in determining what you become.”
For more information on Dominique visit www.dominiquedawes.com or www.fitness.gov.
