SILVER SPRING, Md. — In a remarkable tribute to a local hero, Montgomery County celebrated the achievements of Olympic legend Dominique Dawes.
At noon on Tuesday, a sculpture honoring Dawes was unveiled outside the Silver Spring Rec and Aquatic Center.
This significant occasion, graced by Dawes herself, marked a proud moment for the community as it honors the woman who made history in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics by becoming the first African American gymnast to win a gold medal.
Now, Dawes continues to inspire others by sharing her skills through two gymnastics academies in Rockville and Clarksburg.
Dawes was not initially on board with the statue, but said organizers changed her mind.
"You made it very clear that it wasn't about me. That it was about the young kids up above, and the kids that are here today in the back, and my own kids. Really helping plant seeds of inspiration and empowerment for the next generation, so when they walk by this amazing piece of art, they know that they can dream big. Thank you for making that possible," Dawes said.
Sculpture of Montgomery County's own Olympic legend unveiled
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