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Photo: Erik Isacson
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Dain
"I'm open to the possibility of marriage as long as it's the right person," says 31-year-old Dain. "You get to a stage where it's not about you, you, you all the time and it's nice to start creating a family and moving forward." In 1997, this 6'3" professional beach volleyball player became the first African American pro player in the history of the sport to win a major title and in 2000 he struck GOLD at the Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Being a role model is very important to this brown eyed Sagittarius, who was born and raised in Los Angeles and was a runner-up in the last season of The Bachelor. He started "Dain's Day at the Beach," a program designed to expose inner city kids to the sport of beach volleyball. "It's important for anyone who is in the limelight," says Dain, "to set a good example."
... the FACTS
Resides: Santa Monica, CA
Birthday: 11-28-71
Height: 6'3"
Family: Two older brothers
Status: Never married, no children
Education: "I went to Pepperdine and got my education there in Public Relations. Since then I've been playing professionally on the beach and traveling all over the world and it's been great."
Occupation: Professional beach volleyball player
Sponsors. "Oakley is my main sponsor."
... on HIMSELF
Dain is a man who ... "is very logical. I'm a common sense guy, I'm pretty straight forward. Everything has got to have reason or logic to it or I'm not going to be involved in it. If I'm in a relationship and there's problems and the problems outweigh the good stuff, then I'm out. That's just kind of how I am. If it's not working for me, then life's too short."
Future Plans: "I'm going to hopefully get into sports broadcasting after I'm finished playing volleyball. Right now, I'm focused on getting
to the 2004 games in Athens."
Best Qualities: "I'm pretty straight forward in terms of telling it like it is. I'm not going to beat around the bush. I'm honest and I like to joke around a lot. I like someone who's witty and can keep up, with dialog and jokes, and have a good time. I enjoy having a good time. Someone has to have a great sense of humor. I don't take everything too seriously. I like to make jokes and when the tables turn and the focus is on me, I can take it as well."
Strengths: "My word, if I'm going to tell you that I'm going to do something, then I'll be there and I'll be on time. I don't like messing around with people. I won't just say oh give me a call just for the heck of it, unless I want to do business with you or if I want to get to know you more. A lot of people throw out give me a call and they really mean beat it. You're not going to get that from me."
Weaknesses: "I think I can probably be more communicative when I'm dealing with emotional stiff. I'm like the `typical guy' sometimes, not very open expressively. I'd say that might be a weakness, so I've been told. I'm always working on it."
What I see in myself that others may not see: "There's not a lot of smoke and mirrors with me. I'm happy who I am and I'm always trying to improve. I try to be
down to earth and not blow things out of perspective. If you're on TV or whatever, it doesn't make you too much different from the next person. Some people think that it does. It's funny, too, because even after winning a gold medal, people sometimes view you differently because you've accomplished something that's pretty much universally known, it doesn't matter what you did it in, a gold medal is recognized around the world and people will react different towards you when you're in that position. It's funny when people put a title on you, sometimes the people around start to act differently, it's not necessarily you always. So I've tried to always stay the same person and hopefully I have and I'm sure the people who I'm surrounded by would tell you the same thing. That's the key, it doesn't really matter what you're doing, everyone's hopefully trying to improve and get better in the time that we're here."
I've Been Known to ..."be the joker here and there. I poke fun at people, I do little subtle things."
Interests: "I love to relax and just chill. I do a lot of physical activity. For instance today, I practiced in the morning, I'm at the gym, I'm doing jump training, I had to run a bunch of things so I love to relax, I love to golf, mountain bike and do outdoor stuff. I'm not a huge theater guy, I love to go see movies. I love to read books as well and I'm always trying to learn something new. That's the nice thing when you're finished with school, you can read the stuff that you want to read."
Turn Ons: "Winning a gold medal, I love to compete and I love to challenge myself. I love beautiful weather. I enjoy watching the sun rise although I don't get to do that often. Especially when it's really clear, that's one of my favorite things to do. I love people who take care of themselves and take care of their things and who are respectful. That's a big thing respecting other people."
Turn Offs: "Uncleanliness, I figure no matter what you have, I like when people take care of their things and take care of themselves. People who are nor well kept, or sloppy or slobs, or dirty, those are big turn offs."
And the winner is ... "My partner (Canyon Seeman) and I won the Hermosa Beach Grand Slam, that was my first victory in 1997 and it was the first time an African American had ever won a beach volleyball event. That was kind of special.
I've won quite a few events but that first one was the most significant and obviously the Olympics was the pinnacle. I won the Gold Medal in Beach volleyball at the 2000 Olympics in Australia (partner - Eric Fonoiomoana). Finished #1 on the AVP tour. My partner Jeff Nygaard and I won the San Diego Open, Chicago US Open, and the Las Vegas Shootout, the grand finale of the year."
On Being a role model: "I think it's important for anyone who is in the limelight or at the top of what they're doing, if they could set a good example. A lot of people don't feel that obligation and that's fine, it's kind of a personal choice but I try to lead by example and if I can put out a good example and have kids or adults follow it, then that's great."
Charities: "I started Dain's Day at the Beach in 1997. It's a program that tries to expose the sport to inner city kids and kids who may have never been introduced to volleyball.
I'll have the event usually before a tournament and I'll invite the kids down, working with either the YMCA or the boys and girls club and get the kids to the beach and speak with them about setting goals and keeping grades up depending on what the group is comprised of and break them up into groups and teach them individual volleyball skills.
Then I invite them to bring their parents down to the beach so they can see beach volleyball in a professional setting so it makes a little more of an impact. So the key for me is to get as much exposure as possible and by doing that obviously winning more tournaments and then I can have more of an impact whereas the kids are going to see me out there and maybe take up the sport."
15 Minutes of Fame: "Winning the gold medal is my biggest accomplishment in what I do, it's the pinnacle of what I do."
Travels: "Austria, Spain, France, Norway, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Australia, Germany, Switzerland."
Fashion Sense: "Clean and simple. I like to dress up because my normal attire is very casual, obviously with what I do. I'm at the beach all the time and I do a lot of physical activity. So I'm in a lot of athletic gear a lot of the time. So it's a lot of fun to put on a suit and dress up. I do motivational speaking engagements as well ever since the Olympics dealing with kids and also with corporations. "
Staying healthy: "I eat very clean. I'm not very picky, I eat chicken and fish but there's times when I'll have a burger here and there. Nothing too strict, just stay away from all the garbage."
What touches my soul: "When people do special things that are completely out of the blue and unexpected. I think those are the most special things. When someone will think of something that you need, that maybe was on your list to do but they somehow heard you talk about it and they go do it, not something you blatantly told someone to do, that's just a surprise, that's pretty awesome."
... on WOMEN
A woman can get my attention ... "by being herself, not trying too hard So many people try to be someone else when they initially meet someone and it's great for the first month or so and then the real person starts to come out and if you guys are serious about making some sort of future then you got to kind of be real and be yourself from the get go or all of a sudden you're being surprised with someone who doesn't really like something that they said they did initially."
Ideal Woman: "A good personality, good sense of humor. They don't necessarily have to be athletic but they need to have a care to stay in shape and be healthy. My life is very active so it's nice to be with someone who likes to go to the gym and work out or go for a run. I think it's important that everyone exercises somewhat. I tend to lean towards women who like to take care of themselves physically and not just for superficial reasons, to be healthy. I don't want to be with a girl who's partying all night long. and not caring about how they feel and how they end up looking as a result of it. I like a woman who is very witty and quick, in terms of being able to hold dialog and being on top of things. I like women who take care of themselves. Personal hygiene is huge. I like someone with a really nice smile. I don't necessarily have to be with the most beautiful women I can find. Actually I tend to stay away from the most beautiful because they're always being pursued anyway. They need to have a uniqueness, something different, they don't have to be the hottest girl in the room, but have a great smile and a lot of other traits."
I show a woman I care ... "I think the main thing is to be attentive and to really focus on them when you're with them, that's an important thing. Just full attention and valuing their time and being respectful."
Most important quality in a woman: "That they have integrity and a good set rules, whatever those are and that they stick by them."
What makes a woman unforgettable: "That they're their own person, they're straight forward. It makes them very attractive to me when they're just being themselves and you can tell when someone's being themselves or putting on a show. If they have a sense of humor, that's something that I really value in a woman."
Ideal Date: "A nice dinner and afterwards maybe a walk on the beach. Either that route or the opposite of that is staying home and renting a movie and relaxing and just spending time together."
I wish women understood ... "that guys need their time and their space. Men need their time with their guys or different things and a woman who completely understands that is very attractive."
... on RELATIONSHIPS
Views on Relationships: "I've always had a girlfriend. My last relationship was about 3 years, it ended around 2001. Since then I've just been dating here and there looking for the right person. I'm open to the possibility of marriage as long as it's the right person that fits the mold, but I'm open to it. Relationships are very important, you get to a stage where it's not about you, you, you all the time and it's nice to start creating a family and moving forward but it's such a big decision that I think too many people take lightly nowadays. They get in something and they think it's just like dating because it's so easy to get divorced. You hear these people that have been married 2 and 3 times and obviously they have a different spin on it but my views on it are that it's supposed to be for life. It's very difficult to be married in this city because everything promotes the next best thing. On any magazine cover, it's not promoting family as much as it is the hot girl, so it's a challenge, that's why it's got to be the right person and that's why I haven't rushed into anything but I'm definitely open to it."
Top Relationship Keys: "Communication and honesty. The key is to tell it like it is and if something's bugging you, you got to let it out as opposed to I think a lot of people restrain what they really want to say. At certain times, we all do, but the bottom line is the more honest you can be, then the relationship's going to go a lot longer."
A woman who is in a relationship with me can expect ... "a good time, nothing too crazy. I keep my life pretty simple. I love to do special things, certain trips or getaways. I've been with women before that expect those things all the time, I don't think that makes them special in a sense. I love romantic things, walks on the beach, full moons, fireplaces and wine. And going to nice dinners, nice atmosphere, things like that."
What I Expect: "Someone who is straight forward and being themselves. Don't put on an act, be yourself and we'll know if it's working.
When I'm in love, I ... "just feel content and don't have to try. Everything is the way it should be. The key for me is to be with someone who's like a really great friend and can hang out as well, be your best friend."
Greatest Relationship Lesson: "To be upfront with whoever you're with because everyone's in different relationships at different times of their lives for different reasons and you have to be on the right timing. Timing is everything with someone. So I think to be upfront and honest with people are the best things that I've leaned because when you're not, that's when people get hurt."
... on SEX
I feel my sexiest when ... "I'm dressed up in a tuxedo or a nice classy suit that's tailored nicely, that's probably when I look my best. Girls might tell you it's when I'm in shorts or something but for me, I like to dress up and look nice. I don't do it all that often. "
What puts me in the mood: "Lingerie. It doesn't even have to be lingerie, something that's really classy or very sexy. Someone can look extremely attractive in a business suit, if it fits hem well and they look good. "
... on HIS FAVORITE THINGS
Movie: "Shawshank Redemption."
TV Show: "The Wonder Years or Martin. Neither of those shows are running now, I'm not a big TV guy these days. I'm a big sports fan."
Book: "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman."
Music: "Brian McKnight."
Food: "Chicken, salmon."
... on LIFE
Making My Mark: "I don't think your works ever really done when you're here. Just to go out and lead by example by putting a 100% effort in everything that I do. I'm trying to be the best that I can be in whatever field that I choose. I'm playing volleyball right now, I'm trying to get back and defend my Olympic gold medal in 2004 which would be something that no ones ever done, won 2 gold medals in that sport. It's only be in the Olympics since 96."
Responsibility to Society: "Just to contribute, to make a difference and to be significant in other people's lives, that's what lasts longer. You can be successful and all that but when you're gone, the most important thing will be were you significant in the lives of others and you can do that by setting a good example, living with integrity and abiding by the rules that you set for yourself."
Valuable Life Lesson: "Basically, that anything can happen at any time so never think that you're completely in the clear because life can change and no one's guaranteed tomorrow. We're all just given today to maximize what time we have but tomorrow's not guaranteed so any time you can be thrown a curve ball."
What I try to get out of life every day: "To continue to improve, to read, to make improvements to become a better person and to accomplish the goals that I've set for myself."
Best Advice Received: "I have two older brothers and they're always telling me to do what you want to do, as long as you're not hurting people. Do what you want to do, take the risks, because if you're not willing to risk anything, you're not going to get ahead."
Best Advice I've Given a Woman: "If things aren't working out, you got to move on, regardless of what it is, if it's a relationship or a job. I think so many people get stuck in a rut and they wake up and they're 50 or 60 and it's over. Life's too short to be doing something that you really don't like. It's easier for me to say, I've had a very fortunate life up until now in the sense that I've been able to play a professional sport which is pretty awesome and it provides me with a lot of freedom. So I always tell people, it's too short, make the most of what you got and you need to take those risks, you need to take prudent risks that will hopefully open up possibilities for you. Because if you don't, you'll wake up 20-30 years from now and it will all be past you."
... final THOUGHTS
Nicknames: "D.B."
Wheels: "911 Porsche Carrera. That was my present to myself after winning the gold medal."
Pets: "I have a golden lab."
Items Always in my Refrigerator: "I usually always have chicken, orange juice, salads and there's usually a few beers."
Hottest Possession: "My most prized possession is my gold medal, it's something you can't buy."
Secret Fantasy: "I really want to travel. I'd like to go to some of the nice places. I like going on vacation and relaxing. I travel quite a bit but a lot of times it's basically business, I'm in and out. So a fantasy of mine is to go to places like Fiji, Tahiti, Indonesia and just chill out and relax. I love to go to really nice hotels and enjoy the hotel."
Me, A Deserted Island And ... "my wife, best friend and my lover."
I would like to change places for 24 hours with ... "no one, I really enjoy my life. You look at people and you think oh I wish I was more financially secure, the way I look at the money is that it provides you with freedom, that's the bottom line. It's cool to have that freedom but at the same time if you have too much freedom, you get messed up. I wouldn't change my life with anybody."
Why I'm such a great catch: "I call it like it is. I'm not putting on a show. You either like me for who I am or you're not interested. I'm not trying to be a big superstar, I'm a pretty mellow person. I don't go out all that often but I do go out. I'm just pretty ordinary, I think. I'm pretty straight forward and honest and I try to be myself. I'm very simple. I love to take things lightly. I don't take life too seriously. I like to have a good time, that's what I'm all about but I don't need to be running around at the hottest spots to do that."
Me in a word: "Straight forward."
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