Let’s focus on barriers being broken and celebrate history in the making.
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Historically, segregation and discrimination caused a lack of access to public pools throughout the 1900’s and personal pools were unheard of. For the next few decades, swimming role models were white, such as swimmer and actress Esther Williams, who was often featured in synchronized swimming scenes in elaborate Hollywood films. Stormy weather wreaked havoc with the schedule Wednesday, with the rowing being canceled.
The moment wasn’t lost on Simone Manuel.
Manuel, who was born in Houston, said the gold medal also represents the African Americans who helped blaze a trail for her to participate in the Olympics. Team USA hasn’t seen a gold medal in women’s 100m freestyle since 1984, according to news reports.
Manuel also won a silver medal in the women’s 4×100 meter freestyle relay.
The journalist and Ferlito both laughed over the racist remark.
“We would have to watch her if it was bath time because she would always try to sneak off to get in the bathtub with him because she loved the water”, her mother said.
During her freshman year of college at Stanford, she won two NCAA Division I titles in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle swims, while at the same time setting school records in the events.
She also touched on the how she wants the Olympics to help ease the heightened racial tensions in the U.S.
After winning, Manuel said, “The gold medal wasn’t just for me”.
“To me, this win shows that black people are resilient and soar through adversity”, she wrote in an email. In 2010, she experienced a turning point, being chosen for USA Swimming’s diversity select camp, where she met other talented minorities.
We’re not an unusual African-American family.
It is a victory for those competitive black swimmers who were told they didn’t have it, who were doubted, denied access to specialized coaches, and told their dreams and passions were unrealistic.
Among the survey comments from USA Gymnastics professional members, a respondent wrote, “In good conscience, I can not fill out such a form”.
“I was pretty shocked”, the Texas native said.
After months of controversy over high-profile withdrawals of the sport’s biggest stars – including Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth – the men will finally be teeing up at the newly built Olympic golf complex in Rio de Janeiro.
Let’s recognize and honor this young woman for the awe-inspiring role model and history-maker she is.
Instead, U.S. swimmer Simone Manuel made history in the 100-meter freestyle.
She shared top spot on the podium with Manuel, 20, the first African-American individual Olympic champion from the United States.
When Sugar Land’s Simone Manuel won Olympic gold, even she looked surprised. “And it’s for all the people after me, who believe they can’t do it”. They were both in the stands watching as she won her gold medal.
Biles is already drawing the attention of another generation.
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For just the second time in Olympics swimming history, a dead heat.
