Heart of a Champion: The Dominique Dawes Story
by Kim Washburn (Author)
Dominique Dawes made history as the first African American woman to win an individual Olympic medal, and her trailblazing story is presented in Heart of a Champion, a biography perfect for readers eight and up, and anyone interested in learning about one of the greatest gymnasts in American history.
Long before Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles entered a gym, Dominique Dawes was a young African American girl focused on her dream--and nothing would stop her from reaching it. Although the odds were against her, by the time she was nineteen years old she stood on an Olympic podium to receive a historic gold medal in women's gymnastics, as well as numerous other impressive accolades--including medals in a record three Olympics--over her long career. Discover how her faith in God and hard work led her to become one of the top gymnasts in the world. Let her story and her motto of "determination, dedication, and desire" encourage you to become all you can be, in competition and in life.
Heart of a Champion
- includes a special note from Dominique Dawes
- contains quotes from and photos of Dominique that follow her life from childhood to her work with President Obama and Michelle Obama on physical fitness
- is perfect for school reports and assignments
- is an inspiring story for gymnastics fans as well as anyone with a dream
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School Library Journal
Gr 4-8—This motivational biography vividly recounts the extraordinary accomplishments of the gymnast and describes the empowering faith that helped her follow her career path. Guided by her personal motto, "D-3: Determination, Dedication, and Desire," Dawes won three Olympic medals and multiple national and world championships. She was the first African American national gymnastics champion and the first black woman of any nationality to win Olympic gold in gymnastics, as a member of the 1996 "Magnificent Seven." During her 18 years of training and competition, she displayed remarkable talent, resilience after mistakes and injuries, and a relentless commitment to perfection. When her gymnastics career ended at age 23, she had to decide what to do with her life. She has found her niche in sports media and as a spokesperson for the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition; Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" initiative; and recreational opportunities for youth with disabilities. Through personal interviews, periodicals, websites, and photos, Washburn focuses on the principles and religious faith that have guided Dawes's life. Surprisingly little information is provided about her family and the challenges she may have faced as an African American gymnast. This purposeful biography is informative and engaging and carries a clear message about faith-based inspiration and guidance.—Gerry Larson, formerly at Durham School of the Arts, NC
Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Gymnasts
Christian biography
Dawes, Dominique
