Olympic champion Dominique Dawes expands academy network, calls for healthier gym culture

As the latest featured guest in "Closer Look's" "Piloting the Journey" series, four-time Olympic medalist Dominique Dawes shared her pioneering career, competing on the global stage and why she's passionate about building young people's confidence through gymnastics. (Dominique Dawes Gymnastics Academy/John McConnico/AP)

It may be hard to believe, but Dominique Dawes — who represented the United States in three Olympic Games and is one of only three American women to compete in three Olympics — admits the journey wasn’t always enjoyable.

Dawes earned four Olympic medals: team gold in 1996, team bronze in 1992 and 2000, and an individual bronze on floor exercise in 1996. She was also the first Black American woman to win an individual Olympic gymnastics medal.

Since retiring from competition, she has dedicated her life to transforming what she describes as a gymnastics culture that can be traumatic for young athletes.