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Let Kids Be Kids: Olympian Dominique Dawes on Intrinsic Motivation, Healing, and Rethinking Youth Sports

Season 1 | Episode 13

with Nicole Coman and William “Biff” Maier

How can sports empower children—and what happens when they don’t? In this episode, Olympic gold medalist and mother of four Dominique Dawes reflects on the highs and harms of elite athletics, and how she’s now working to redefine what success in sports can look like for today’s youth.

Hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman speak with Dominique about:

  • The psychological costs of high-level competition—and the power of healing environments
  • How her gymnastics academies prioritize whole-child development over medals
  • Parallels between her approach and Montessori principles, including independence, intrinsic motivation, and child-led exploration
  • Why her own children play multiple sports and attend nontraditional schools
  • Her journey from Olympic icon to advocate for balanced childhoods

With honesty, clarity, and deep compassion, Dominique challenges us to rethink what children really need to thrive—in sports, in school, and in life.

Dominique Dawes is the founder of Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academy.

Dominique Dawes

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Meet Our Hosts

Nicole Coman
Nicole Coman (she/her) is one of the co-hosts of the Educating the Human Potential podcast, produced by AMS. As a licensed educational psychologist, Nicole brings a wealth of expertise in school psychology and child development. Her experience with educational practices, Montessori education, and child development allows for an ever-captivating and insightful dialogue.
William “Biff” Maier
Biff Maier (he/him) is one of the co-hosts of the Educating the Human Potential podcast, produced by AMS. Biff is an AMS Living Legacy, a former Montessori head of school, and a former teacher education program director. These deep-rooted connections with Montessori education, his passion for Montessori principles, and his legacy within AMS make him the perfect addition to our podcast team.