Historic moments are taking place at the Olympic Games Rio 2016 with Michael Phelps earning his 28th medal at the Olympic games, and maintaining his title as the most decorated Olympian of all times. So far, the Olympics has been exciting, fascinating, and filled with surprises. I mean, who was expecting Venus and Serena Williams to get booted out the first round of the Women’s doubles with a lost against Czech Republic, or Serena losing to Elina Svitolina of the Ukraine in the Women’s single? Although those were disappointing losses, there were amazing triumphs from the American women throughout the Olympics. Simone Manuel made history on Thursday 11th 2016, when she became the first African-American female swimmer to win gold in the women’s 100-meter freestyle. She responded to her victory in an interview stating that, “This medal is not just for me, it's for the African-Americans who have come before me and been an inspiration”. She also said that she hopes to be an inspiration to those as others were for her and to motivate others to get into swimming and to also come to the Olympics.
Simone Manuel is not the only Simone that has us talking. Simone Biles has been dominating the competition in gymnastics in Rio. Known as “The Flyer”, the 19-year-old gymnast has won gold in the women’s vault, women’s all-around competition, and has helped lead the U.S women’s team to gold in women’s team all-around. With a possible five gold medal wins in Rio, Simone Biles is being hailed the best female gymnast that ever lived. But let’s not forget some of the other African-American female gymnasts that have come before her. Gabby Douglas fascinated us at the 2012 Summer Olympics when she won gold medals in the individual all-around and team competitions. Dominique Dawes paved the way when she became the first African-American gymnast to ever compete solo at the Olympics. Known as “Awesome Dawsome”, Dominique was the first Black female to make the national women’s team in 1988. She then joined the U.S women’s Olympic team in 1992, where she helped lead her team to a bronze medal in Barcelona. It was at the 1996 Olympics where Dominique made history, winning an individual bronze medal, becoming the first Black woman to win an individual medal in women’s gymnastics.
Another woman that has been fascinating us this Olympics is Katie Ledecky. Ledecky has added 4 more gold medals and 1 silver so far to her collection. She continues to break records, and defy all odds, continuously pushing herself to be better with every stroke. Ledecky is the first swimmer to win the 200, 400 and 800-meter freestyle at the same Olympics since Debbie Meyer did so in 1968 in Mexico City. These women have been taking names and kicking you know what throughout the Olympics.
