There's been a lot of sexist publicity surrounding the American female Olympic athletes, so I'm here to remind you about how freaking awesome some of my favorite female bad-asses are.
1. Ibtihaj Muhammad-- Fencing
Most people know her story even though she didn't get a medal. She was the first American athlete to wear a hijab during the games. She's been shattering Muslim stereotypes in a time where Islamaphobia is still very relevant. This girl has serious courage. She's also proof that you don't have to be in a sport since you could walk to be amazing in it. You just have to have determination.
2. Allison Schmitt-- Swimming
An icon for athletes with mental illnesses. After medaling in her individual event, she spoke about her personal struggle with depression after a cousin committed suicide. By bringing this issue to light, especially at a big event like the Olympics, it's forcing many people to address it and start a conversation. People always face backlash for being honest about issues like this as well, so thank you for sharing your story, Allison.
3. Laurie Hernandez-- Gymnastics
This 16-year-old gold medalist stole everyone's hearts with her floor routine at the Olympic team finals. I swear, I'm her biggest fan. She is also Puerto-Rican. It's amazing to see Latina representation on our already diverse team. Not to mention, her makeup is also bad ass. I'm going to need her to drop a makeup tutorial after the games are over because her tumbling isn't the only thing she does flawlessly.
4. Maya DiRado-- Swimming
Not only is she super sweet, gorgeous, and a strong Olympic swimmer; but she also skipped a grade and got perfect score on the math section of the SAT when she was 15. Her grandparents immigrated here from Argentina. This girl is talented as heck. With several medals now, she's proof that girls can be so much more than just pretty.
5. Aly Raisman-- Gymnastics
Talk about a come back. Despite everyone telling her she couldn't medal in Rio after her 4th place finish in London, Aly worked her butt off and won silver the other night in the individual all-around final. If you weren't crying after she finished her floor routine, then you don't have a heart, I'm sorry. Not to mention, she's Jewish, furthering adding to the amazing diversity on this team.
6. Ginny Thrasher-- Shooting
The first day of the Olympics, this engineering major scored the first gold medal of the games for the US, and she's only 19! Not only did she take the gold, but she beat two Chinese shooters, both previous gold medalists. Even if you want gun reforms, you have to admit that this girl is bad ass.
7. Simone Manuel-- Swimming
One of my favorite moments of the games thus far has to be when she said, "It's for all of the people after me who can't--who believe they can't do it. And I just want to be an inspiration to others, that you can do it," after becoming the first black woman to win a gold medal in a swimming event. It was an absolutely amazing moment. I can't wait to see what else she's going to accomplish in her career.
8. Simone Biles-- Gymnastics
The 4'8" giant won gold in the individual all-around finals, and the internet went nuts (rightfully so). She later said that she was almost more proud of Aly Raisman's performance and comeback, showing her genuine friendliness and humility. She also lives with her adopted parents, and regularly validates foster parents everywhere in her interviews. "I'm not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. I'm the first Simone Biles!" Everyone can learn something from this phenomenal young woman.
9. Katie Ledecky-- Swimming
This woman can swim. Talk about breath taking. It's impossible to watch her without being on the edge of your seat. She currently holds 13 world records, several of which she has completely obliterated at the games; the first world record she set was when she was only 16. As if this wasn't enough, she finished a full eleven seconds ahead of the silver medalist in the 800m freestyle, which is even more impressive than the time earlier this week when she beat second place by 5 seconds. She's also involved with multiple charities. She's only 19, and she is a swim icon. Keep making us proud to be female and proud to be American, girl.
10. Leslie Jones-- Comedy
I know she's not an athlete, but she's an Olympian in all of our hearts. After her commentary of the games went viral on Twitter, NBC invited her to go see it live in Rio, where she's been ever since. (Follow her on Twitter @Lesdoggg or Snapchat @Lesdogggg) I bring her up because despite racist Internet trolls causing her to log off of her social media for a bit, and designers refusing to make her a dress for the premiere of Ghost Busters; she still stands strong, keeps smiling, and continues to make us all laugh till our sides ache with her relatable and hilarious comments. And that is bad ass.
