Australia’s Cate Campbell was a strong favorite going into the race, but Manuel remained calm as her rival faded.
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And during her post-race interview, Manuel fought through the tears to say exactly what everyone looking up to her wanted to hear.
And for Aly Raisman, the event had special significance: After losing the bronze medal due to a tie-breaker scoring rule back in 2012, she broke down sobbing upon finishing her floor routine and realizing it was enough for the silver. Both women set a new Olympic record of 52.70 in the 100 free. “I’m only 16 so it’s pretty insane to win a gold medal in your first Olympics”, she said.
“To me, this win shows that black people are resilient and soar through adversity”, she wrote in an email. “I want to win just like everybody else”. She’ll also compete in the 50-meter freestyle, starting with heats on Friday afternoon.
Manuel said her first gold, at her first Olympics, was just as surprising and there was an added bonus in setting an American record. It was for people who came before me and inspired me to stay in this sport, and for people who believe that they can’t do it.
“I don’t remember much of it over the last 15 meters”, Manuel said. Oleksiak has now collected four medals at Rio 2016 – the most by a Canadian at a summer Games – winning a 4x100m freestyle bronze, followed by a 100m butterfly silver and another bronze in the 4x200m freestyle. “I never thought I would be in this position but I’m so blessed and honoured to be on the medal stand”, the American said of her medal.
“I think it means a lot, especially what’s going on in the world today with some of the issues with police brutality”.
Manuel, born in Texas, now attends Stanford University and is a two-time individual NCAA champion, winning the 50m and 100m freestyle events in 2015.
After emerging from the pool, NBC broadcasters couldn’t wait to her from Manuel herself. He finished fifth in his semifinal heat but a fast swim in the second semi bumped the Kenora, Ont., native to 12th.
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At her news conference after her victory, Manuel acknowledged the history she made.
