Why a 3x Olympic Medalist Won't Put Her Kids in Gymnastics | Dominique Dawes Interview

Why a 3x Olympic Medalist Won't Put Her Kids in Gymnastics | Dominique Dawes Interview

From Youth Inc. with Greg Olsen by Youth Inc.

April 7, 2026 · 47 min · Season 4 · Episode 30

About this episode

Dominique Dawes discusses the challenges of elite gymnastics and her decision not to put her children in the sport.

Three-time Olympian and Magnificent Seven gold medalist Dominique Dawes sits down with Greg Olsen for one of the most honest conversations we've ever had on Youth Inc.Dominique opens up about the emotional and physical toll of elite gymnastics, the coaching culture she grew up in, why she started the Dominique Dawes Academy to do things differently, and why she doesn't want her four children to go through what she went through — even though it made her a champion.They also cover the pressure of representing her race as one of the first African American women in Olympic gymnastics, what it means to develop the whole child, and why she believes gymnastics is still the best foundation any young athlete can have — just not the way it used to be done.Plus, Greg answers listener questions.Learn more about the Dominique Dawes Academy: https://www.dominiquedawesacademy.comSubscribe to the Youth Inc. newsletter: https://www.youth.inc/newsletter#YouthSports #DominiqueDawes #Gymnastics #GregOlsen #Olympics #USAGymnastics #YouthGymnastics

People in this episode

Host: Greg Olsen

Guest: Dominique Dawes

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Dominique Dawes Academy, Youth Inc.

Places: United States

More episodes of Youth Inc. with Greg Olsen

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Youth Inc. with Greg Olsen podcast page.