Dominique Moceanu was destined to be a gymnast. Since she was 6 months old and her parents tested her strength with a clothesline, Dominique has proved her strength and courage in the world of gymnastics.
Dominique started gymnastics in 1984, when she was just three years old. Maybe it was in her blood, her parents both were gymnasts in their native country, Romania.
Dominique eventually ended up training with Bela and Marta Karolyi, which led her to a spot on the Junior National Team when she was just ten years old. Bela's gym was a very strict and professional environment. Dominique rose to the occasion and eventually landed a spot in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. She became one of seven, the Maginificient Seven. The first American team to ever win a gold medal at the Olympics, in the history of the games. Dominique helped the team rise above the rest and they held their heads high as the National Anthem played in their honor.
After the Olympics, Dominique did the talk show circuit, modeled for 5-7-9, and appeared in numerous magazines. But her fame came at a price. Dominique went into a very tough period, all the attention and fame she had received and time off from training had led to burn out. When she resumed training, she wasn't hitting all her routines as she had done before. It came mroe difficult for her to perform, due to a growth period where she grew six inches in 6 months.
After some off time, Dominique made her comeback at the 1998 Goodwill Games, surprising many by taking home the All-Around Gold Medal, which brought on tears of joy as once again, the National Anthem was played in her honor.
In the fall of 1998, Dominique took out a lawsuit against her parents. She sued them for using money from her trust fund to build a four million dollar gym, Moceanu Gymnastics Incorporated. She one emancipation from her parents, a personal victory for her. After a messy trial, her father was brought to court one more time. Dominique requested a restraining order against him, banning him from coming 500 feet within her presence, for one year.
Even though her life has had it's ups and downs, Dominique has remained as one of the World's most loved gymnasts. She remains a role model for people everywhere. She truly is a gymnastics legend.
