In the 1992 Olympic trials for the Barcelona Games, Dominique Dawes made history as the first Black gymnast to qualify. This groundbreaking achievement was a pivotal moment in gymnastics, signaling the potential for increased racial diversity and representation in the sport.

Fast forward three decades, and the U.S. women’s Olympic gymnastics team has undergone a profound transformation. For the upcoming Paris Olympics, a remarkable 80% of the U.S. women's gymnastics team comprises women of color, marking the most racially diverse team in the history of U.S. Olympic gymnastics.

Reflecting on this progress, Dawes commented, “To see now, 32 years later, women of color dominating the sport of gymnastics definitely gives me reason to at least know that the sport is becoming a little bit more inclusive.” Dawes’s own illustrious gymnastics career spanned three consecutive Olympic Games and culminated in four Olympic medals, including a historic team gold with the “Magnificent Seven” at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Her journey exemplifies the evolving inclusivity and representation within gymnastics.

Historically, Black athletes have encountered substantial financial and social barriers that have limited their participation in gymnastics. However, these barriers are gradually diminishing, allowing women of color to reach the sport’s highest echelons. A landmark moment occurred at last year’s World Championships when three Black women—Simone Biles, Rebeca Andrade of Brazil, and Shilese Jones—swept the podium in the all-around competition. Furthermore, the last three Olympic all-around gold medalists have all been American women of color: Suni Lee, Simone Biles, and Gabby Douglas. Douglas notably made history as the first Black gymnast to win the all-around event at the 2012 London Olympics.

Jordan Chiles, a Tokyo Olympic silver medalist and national bronze medalist in 2022, will represent Team USA in Paris. Chiles has openly discussed her struggles with racism and the pressure to conform within the sport. “I wanted to be done, because I didn’t think ... the sport wanted me,” Chiles admitted on NBC’s “My New Favorite Olympian” podcast. “I didn’t think people around me wanted to see this beautiful Black girl in a leotard anymore.” Despite these obstacles, Chiles remains a vibrant and supportive force in gymnastics, known for her high-energy performances and enthusiastic cheerleading. She often draws inspiration from her personal icon, Beyoncé, whose influence is evident in Chiles’s floor routines and U.S. Championships leotard. “If she’s a queen, I’m a queen,” Chiles remarked.

Chiles, who made her senior elite debut in 2017, attributes her longevity in the sport to pioneers like Dominique Dawes and Simone Biles. Biles, her training partner at the World Champions Centre in Spring, Texas, is set to become the first female U.S. gymnast since Dawes to compete in three Olympic Games. At 27, Biles will also be the oldest female gymnast to represent the U.S. at the Olympics in 72 years.

Dawes, reflecting on the evolution of the sport since her retirement, praised the advancements in training and the extended career longevity of athletes. “The fact that I was 23 at my last Olympic Games in 2000 was unheard of back then,” Dawes noted. “But today, I love the fact that the longevity has extended beyond what I was able to accomplish.” Her advice to Biles is to “enjoy the journey.”

Dawes reminisces about the increasing intensity of the Olympic spotlight with each Games she attended, a pressure magnified by the sport’s lack of diversity at the time. “I understood the magnitude behind what it was about,” Dawes said. “You’re not only representing your country, but I was also representing my race.” As a professional athlete, the pressure to perform was immense, with her livelihood closely tied to her Olympic success.

Despite her significant achievements and the intense pressures she faced, Dawes has opted not to expose her four children—ages 10, 8, and 6-year-old twins—to the demands of elite gymnastics. “I want them to have a balanced childhood,” Dawes explained. “I focus on happy, healthy kids. ... I will not allow my kids to go through what I went through, but it was right for me.” This decision reflects her commitment to ensuring her children enjoy a more balanced and fulfilling childhood, prioritizing their overall well-being and development over the rigorous demands of competitive gymnastics.