Simone Manuel leaned her head into her hands and broke down in tears when she recognized her historic achievement.
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There was also a tie the last time an American woman won the event; Americans Nancy Hogshead and Carrie Steinseifer both took home gold in 1984.
In a rare occurrence, Manuel, 20, tied with Canadian Penny Oleksiak, 16.
‘This medal is not just for me, it’s for a whole bunch of people who have come before me and have been an inspiration to me, ‘ Manuel said.
While the record-setting blowout victory in the women’s gymnastics all-around final by Simone Biles, a 19-year-old from Spring, Texas, came as no surprise, Manuel and Oleksiak’s win shocked the swimming world, including the victors.
But the victory was more than just Manuel’s first medal.
“I was talking to Kylie the other night saying ‘all you guys on the podium, it makes it that much more attainable and it normalizes something that is such an wonderful feat, such an incredible accomplishment,”‘ Caldwell said. On Sunday night, she helped the USA women swim to a silver medal in the 4×100 free.
At the 2000 Sydney Games, another 21.98 second dead-heat saw Anthony Ervin of the United States and team mate Gary Hall Jr each awarded the 50m freestyle gold.
Oleksiak is the first Canadian woman to win an Olympic medal of any colour in the 100-metre freestyle, which has been in the Summer Games since 1912. He is on the team again in Rio.
Manuel’s win is so significant given the history of swimming and racial segregation in America.
Maritza Correia was the first black female to medal in swimming, taking silver in 2004 as a member of the 4×200-meter freestyle relay. “I never thought I’d win a gold”, Oleksiak said. “It’s for some of the African-Americans who have come before me and have been inspirations and mentors to me”. I hope I’m an inspiration to others to get out there and try swimming.
Neal pumped Manuel up before the nighttime finals by singing and dancing together. An emotional Manuel replied: “All I can say is all glory to God”.
Even without the historical significance, the race would have been the race of the night thanks to the best finish you’ll ever see. In the year 2014, she took admission in Stanford University and is now a part of Stanford Cardinal women’s swimming team.
“The title of black swimmer suggests that I am not supposed to win golds or break records, but that’s not true because I train hard and want to win just like everyone else”, Manuel added.
“I went in there and swam as fast as I could”.
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“When I hit the wall I was just trying to catch my breath and tell myself whatever number is on the scoreboard when I turn around, I’ll be happy with it”, she said.
