Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academy Columbia

 is a three-time Olympian and member of the “Magnificent Seven,” the first American team to win gold in women’s gymnastics at the 1996 Olympics. However, Dominique’s experiences as a child in gymnastics were not always positive. She has been a vocal critic of the sport’s “toxic culture” and has spoken out against the emotional, psychological, and physical abuse that she and other gymnasts have endured.

At our academy, we prioritize the mental and physical health and wellbeing of every child above scores and rankings. We limit the number of hours children train to ensure they don’t live in the gym 24/7, and emphasize the importance of a well-rounded life outside of gymnastics. We also focus on building a culture of kindness and respect, where children are encouraged to be good teammates and to support one another.