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Heart of a Champion: The Dominique Dawes Story

by Kim Washburn

Dominique Dawes’s path to Olympic history

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Regular price $18.63 USD Sale price $11.92 USD
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Paperback New English

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AlbakiReads Editorial

Dominique Dawes’s path to Olympic history

This biography traces Dominique Dawes’s journey from childhood ambitions in gymnastics to Olympic achievement, including her historic individual medal and appearances at three Olympics. It also connects her athletic career with her faith, discipline, and later work on physical fitness with President Obama and Michelle Obama. Photographs and quotations accompany the account, giving the book a biographical scope that extends beyond competition. The emphasis on Dawes’s determination places sport alongside questions of perseverance and personal goals.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Young readers interested in gymnastics and Olympic athletes
  • Children preparing a school report on Dominique Dawes or sports biographies
  • Readers looking for an example of persistence in pursuit of a goal

Themes

Gymnastics and Olympic achievementPerseverance and dedicationAfrican American representation in sportsFaith and personal goals

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

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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