Photo via AP
So far, the USA Women’s Gymnastics team has emerged as the Golden Girls of the 2012 Olympics. Gabby Douglas, Jordyn Wieber, Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney, and Kyla Ross, or the “Fab Five” as they’re affectionately called, excelled in the team all-around competition and put a handsome beating on runner-ups Russia and Romania. The manner in which they claimed gold is reminiscent of another exceptional women’s gymnastics team, the Magnificent Seven of 1996. Shannon Miller, Kerri Strug, Dominique Moceanu, Dominique Dawes, Amy Chow, Amanda Borden, and Jaycie Phelps were the first to accomplish this feat, and on American soil no less.
For this week’s #ThrowbackThursday post, let’s watch some aged footage from the Atlanta Games and relive those unforgettable moments.
Sixteen years later and the awesomeness of that moment hasn’t dimmed a bit.
Though, many of the Magnificent Seven have faded from the spotlight, which is common for most Olympians. However, Dominique Dawes’ star power is still bright as ever. She’s parlayed her Olympic experience into an impressive resume including 2012 Olympic Games U.S. Delegate, co-chairwoman on the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, and FOXSports.com Olympics analyst.
Recently, Dawes was interviewed by CNN and asked to comment on the belief that the Fab Five is better than the Magnificent Seven. Take a look.
Dawes was as diplomatic and tactful as ever. Unlike the 2012 US Men’s basketball team who have repeatedly walked into the landmines set for them, she crafted the perfect response that not only gave the Fab Five their much deserved props, but also didn’t diminish the accomplishments of her ’96 team. Sure it’s common practice and fun to debate one’s place in history, but it’s also another sad attempt by the media to troll for controversy where there is none. At the end of the day, both teams accomplished their goal of winning gold for their country. There is absolutely nothing anyone can do to discredit that (unless of course your China, because well…everything they do is suspect.) But barring you’re not involved in any regrettable scandals and you’ve earned gold fair and square, rightfully claim your spot at the top among the other greats and bask in glory together.
Videos via CNN and Daphnouune1696
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Dominique Dawes nailed that answer. And call it corny or unoriginal, but I really liked the Magnificent Seven’s stars & stripes leotards.
oh i did too! seemed way more patriotic than the current unis! thanks for visiting.