Olympian urges girls to follow their dreams

Business News feature for The Commercial Appeal

September 26, 2009

Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes on Friday urged local Girl Scouts to do their best and fulfill their dreams.

Dawes, who won a gold medal in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, spoke to about 300 people at the Memphis Botanic Gardens, wrapping up a two-day visit that included an appearance at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women on Thursday.

“When I was younger, I wasn’t confident and didn’t express myself. I wasn’t sure I could ever make an impact,” said Dawes, who sits on the Girl Scouts advisory board. “I want to encourage girls to get out and participate. I want to encourage the sport of gymnastics. You learn very quickly if it’s for you or not.”

The event was sponsored by Baptist Memorial Health Care Corp. and the Lipscomb & Pitts Breakfast Club … (read more)