Press Releases - Department of Recreation

Montgomery County Unveils New Statue Honoring Olympic Athlete Dominique Dawes

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, Montgomery County Recreation Director Robin Riley and staff today welcomed Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes to celebrate the unveiling of a statue in her honor at the Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center (SSRAC).

"With the Olympic Games kicking off this week, and Simone Biles set to compete in her third Olympics Games, the timing of the statue unveiling couldn't be better,” said Dawes. “As the last American gymnast to compete and medal in three Olympic Games, I am humbled and honored to know that my journey of grit and perseverance has inspired many. I came from humble beginnings, and I have never lost sight of what matters most and that is the ability to impact future generations.  This statue is part of my legacy and I hope each time a young boy or girl walks by, they too realize that anything is possible when you choose to work hard and never give up striving to be the best that you can be. Thank you to Brian Hanlon, the super talented sculptor, Councilmember Gabe Albornoz for believing that this statue can inspire future generations and to God for giving me that talent and wisdom to always trust in Him."  

Ms. Dawes, a Montgomery County native, was the first Black woman on the United States gymnastics team and the first Black woman gymnast to win an individual Olympic medal. Born in Silver Spring, she is a three-time Olympic medalist (Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney2000) and the owner and CEO of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics and Ninja Academies. Ms. Dawes opened the gyms to continue her commitment to developing a healthy and compassionate culture in the sport of gymnastics. She has inspired many young people in the area and throughout the U.S.

“Dominique Dawes has not only made history in the world of gymnastics but also left an indelible mark on our community, it is fitting that we honor her with this statue at our new Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Her achievements as an Olympic athlete are extraordinary, but what truly sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to giving back to our community. This statue stands as a testament to her dedication, integrity and the positive impact she continues to have on young people in Montgomery County. We are grateful to Dominique for her commitment to Montgomery County as a mentor, businesswoman and entrepreneur."

The sculpture was completed by artist Brian Hanlon, a classically trained master sculptor and founder of Hanlon Sculpture Studio in Toms River, NJ. With more than 300 public and private art pieces, he is a nationally recognized artist specializing in bronze statues and plazas.

"Olympic hero Dominique Dawes is a world-renowned powerhouse in gymnastics, but her legacy doesn't end there,” said Council President Andrew Friedson. “She remains devoted to giving back and mentoring young people across Montgomery County. This statue, in her hometown of Silver Spring, celebrates her determination, integrity and commitment to cultivating a healthy and compassionate culture in gymnastics. With this symbol of her achievements, Dominique Dawes will continue to inspire future generations.”

Ms. Dawes is the mother of four young children. Her gyms provide a positive outlet for both children and adults to participate and thrive. Her first academy opened in the midst of a global pandemic, in July 2020, her second location opened in 2023, and she will be opening her third Academy in 2024 in Columbia.

“Dominique Dawes represents the best of our community, not just because of her historic accomplishments, but also because of her ongoing commitment to positive youth development and empowerment, autism awareness, and other important issues,” said Councilmember Gabe Albornoz. “It is fitting that the statue in her honor be in her hometown at the new Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center, which is also home to the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame. It will serve as an inspiration for generations to come, symbolizing that success can be achieved through resilience and hard work.”

Ms. Dawes’ passion has always been to educate and empower families, women and young girls on issues related to physical and mental health. She has been a national ambassador for several nonprofit organizations and corporations.

The newly opened 120,000-square-foot Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center is located at 1319 Apple Avenue. It offers recreation and leisure activities, including pools designed for general swimming, low-level diving, exercise, aquatic play, training and teaching opportunities. The center also features a gymnasium, fitness center, movement and dance studios, multipurpose activity rooms, staff offices, a teaching kitchen, café, a new home for the Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame, public use space and social space. For more information on the SSRAC, visit the website.

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Release ID: 24-337
Media Contact: Monika Hammer 240-463-2442