Texas swimmer Simone Manuel made the Houston area proud at the 2016 Olympics.
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Stepping out of baggage claim at George Bush Intercontinental Airport about 6:15 a.m., Manuel was welcomed by not only her family, but also a marching band, dancers, city leaders and adoring fans.
“I haven’t soaked it all”, said Manuel, “but I’m really excited and happy and glad I get to share it with family and friends”.
In the rest of the world, Ashton is another baby boy name trend – after reigning American Olympic decathlon champion Ashton Eaton who is hoping to defend his London 2012 gold medal.
Manuel became the first African-American swimmer to win gold in an individual event, where she tied with Canadian teenager Penny Oleksiak in the 100m freestyle.
“I am completely humbled by the fact that you think I’m an inspiration”, Manuel said.
‘I’ll be just taking a break from swimming and getting ready for school, ‘ said Ledecky said, who starts college in September.
The drum line from her high school alma mater, Stephen F. Austin High School in Fort Bend County, helped usher in Manuel’s homecoming ceremony.
‘The two others are in socks because they only handed out two boxes!’ she told KHOU.
Manuel later tweeted a picture of her munching on a doughnut.
“I asked Serena if I could take a picture with her, and I gave my friend my phone, and I ended up shaking and dropping it!”
“‘So, I’m sure that’s probably an indicator that I was starstruck!”
That brought her four total medals from the Rio Games. A marketable Olympian comes home and the first thing she says she wants is your product.
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What #SimoneManuel missed most.
