It was a good day for women named Simone at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
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“Congratulations Penny on winning Canada’s first gold medal at Rio 2016 and for setting an Olympic Record”.
Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom, the Olympic 100m butterfly champion, took the bronze in 52.99.
In the wake of police brutality that has strained race relations in the USA recently, Manuel hopes that her gold medal will bring some “hope and change” to the issues back home.
Oleksiak tries to add to her growing legend tonight, a chance at a record fourth medal.
“It means a lot, this medal is not just for me. And I just want to be an inspiration to others, that you can do it”. “But at the same time, I would like there to be a day where there are more of us, and it’s not Simone, the black swimmer. I want to win just like everybody else”.
Gold medalist Simone Manuel.
Manuel was not intimidated. Phelps became the first swimmer ever to win the same event at four straight Olympics, and he always left Lochte trailing in his wake. Her mouth gaped open; her hand covered it up.
She credits her two older brothers – who were in the stands in Rio watching her win gold – for instilling in her a fearless, competitive drive.
The 20-year-old hails from Sugar Land, Texas and attends Stanford University. Young Simone wanted to keep up with them.
High praise for a 16 year-old in her first Olympic games.
She’s Katie Ledecky’s roommate, and Simone Manuel just made sure both of them are contributing to the room’s golden tally.
While many expected Oleksiak to be competitive, it was thought any podium finishes would come in the next Olympics. “If they are not first or second after the first three legs before giving it to Chantal Van Landegham on the freestyle, then I will be absolutely astonished”. She said she sees her role as a female swimmer of color as important for future athletes. “I was super surprised and after I stared for a while I realised I was tied with Penny”. But Jones failed to make the US team this year in what could have been his final attempt.
Manuel will compete again later in the meet in the 50-meter freestyle and previously took silver as part of the 4×100 freestyle relay team. Neal is also African American.
“It’s been a long journey for me”, she said after the race. “After the race, I gave her a big hug, and I cried, and I told her thank you for everything you’ve done for me”. Tears rolled down each of Manuel’s cheeks as she sang along. “I haven’t gotten the best times in a while and it was time”. I’m very happy for how she’s done.
“We have backstroker who won a bronze medal, Kylie (Masse)”.
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That being said, Ling said it would have been a successful Olympics for Oleksiak if she had simply reached a few finals.
