FORMING STAGE1996 U.S Women’s Olympic

Gymnastics Team

THE “MAGNIFICANT SEVEN”

Amanda Borden, Amy Chow, Dominique Dawes, Shannon Miller, Dominique Moceanu, Jacie Phelps and Kerri Strug were the team members who were a part of the 1996 U.S Women’s Olympic Gymnastics Team.

Forming Stage

Amanda Borden started her gymnastics career in 1984. She was a part of the US Women’s national team for six years. After competing with the Women’s national team she progressed forward to the US Women’s Olympic Gymnastics team.

Forming Stage

Amy Chow began her career in gymnastics at the age of three.

She competed in gymnastic competitions around the world winning and overcoming her fears.

Kerri Strug was also a part of the 1996 U.S Women’s Gymnastics Olympic Team. She began her career in gymnastics at the age of eight. Although she started her career a few years later than her teammates, she played a strong role in the team’s success.

Forming Stage

Shannon Miller considered to be one of the most experienced gymnasts on the 1996 U.S Olympic Gymnastics team began her career at the age of five.

By the time she was 12 she was competing around the world.

Forming Stage

Kerri Strug began her gymnastics career at the age of eight.

Dominique Dawes began her career in the world of gymnastics at the age of six. Just like her fellow teammates at an early age Dominique Dawes was competing around the world. Dominique Dawes and Shannon Miller were rivals and prior to the 1996 Olympics. The two women competed against each other in the 1993 World Championships where Dominique Dawes dominated Shannon Miller in three of the events.

Forming Stage

Jaycie Phelps:

The forming stage for this team began before the women were considered to be on the 1996 U.S Women’s Olympic Gymnastics Team.

Gymnastics is a competitive sport and although these women trained and competed against each other for many years, they were all a part of an elite group of athletes.

Forming Stage

Over the many years of competing against one another, they were aware of each others strengths and weaknesses.

Amanda Borden rose to be a leader amongst the women and was voted to be the team captain. A part of this process is how they gained trust for one another.

Adjourning

Amanda Borden Immediately after celebrating history she

continued with her education and pursued a career in sports physical therapy. “Working with athletes is important to me, so physical therapy is a natural” (Kleinbaum, 1996).

According to usagym.org, Amanda Borden currently owns two gymnastic schools where she coaches young gymnasts.

Adjourning

Amy Chow After winning Gold in the 1996 Olympics

and once the interviews and parades subsided, Amy Chow completed her dream of becoming a pediatrician.

Currently Amy operates a general pediatrics practice. Amy Chow enjoys working with young athletes and her practice is geared towards sports medicine.

Adjourning

Dominique Dawes Her passion for gymnastics kept her dedicated

to the sport. Dominique began training for her second Olympics after the team celebrated the 1996 win. (Kleinbaum, 1996)

Currently Dominique Dawes is a motivational speaker and works as a host for yahoo news weekend edition. In 2010 President Obama appointed her as a co-chair on the Presidents Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.(usagym.org)

Adjourning

Shannon Miller Throughout her career as a gymnast she

learned a valuable lesson. The art gymnastics and being a part of such a dynamic team taught her how to remain coordinated and also how to set goals for herself.

Currently Shannon Miller runs her own company named Shannon Miller lifestyle: Health and Fitness for Women.

Adjourning

Dominique Moceanu After Dominique continued to celebrate the

teams success she considered competing in the 2000 Olympics.

The hard work and determination of her team mates inspired Dominique to seek a career in sports medicine in efforts assist young athletes perform.

Currently Dominique opened up her own company. Where she conduct fitness seminars and is a motivational speaker.

Adjourning

Jaycie Phelps After the long rigorous hours of training

for the 1996 Olympics and winning, Jaycie was ready for vacation.

Preparing and performing with her team taught her the value of hard work over the years.

Jaycie along with her other team mates spent many years competing against each other in other events.

Adjourning

Jaycie Phelps Years after success of the 1996 Women’s

US Olympic Gymnastic Team, Jaycie own and multi sports complex.

She is a coach not only in gymnastics but she also coaches cheerleading, assist with baseball and other sports.

Jaycie has learned how to keep up with a busy schedule and remains busy with her business.

Adjourning Kerri Strug Kerri completed and was a part of the teams

success. Her injured ankle prevented her from competing in the individual gymnastic event.

After the Olympics Kerri continued with her education and majored in Criminal Justice.

Fifteen years after the Women’s USA Gymnastic Team made history Kerri Strug works in Washington D.C at the Department of Justice. She works with at risk youth and oversees organizations who receive federal funding.

Adjourning

It is interesting that all of these women began their career in gymnastics at a young age.

These women have a passion about the youth in America.

The “Magnificent Seven” learned valuable lessons of hard work and determination throughout their gymnastic career.

The value of hard work and pushing themselves to the limit set them a cut above the average athlete and became uncommon and spectacular athletes.

“Magnificent Seven”