As we all know, Olympics season is upon us. This year, the Olympics are held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Every time the Olympics come around, I am always super excited to see track and field, swimming, diving, and of course gymnastics. During the 2012 Olympics, I was wowed by all the medals the United States had, but I was really impressed by Gabby Douglas and the gymnastics team. At the 2012 London Olympic Games, Gabby Douglas was the first African-American woman to take the gold medal for the individual all-around event. She inspired young girls everywhere that they could do whatever they wanted to do, even be an Olympian. There was a movie made after her, a Barbie doll made in her likeness and she is also known as the "girl on fire" after Alicia Keys' song. I was so proud watching her during the Olympics this year.
Another girl came up this year that definitely caught my attention and I am sure she caught yours as well. Simone Biles, who I think is an incredible, magical flying squirrel, absolutely killed and slayed the competition at the Olympics this year. Many people doubted her and challenged her skills and strength, but she stayed focused and did her job. Simone's resume is extremely long. She is a three-time world champion in the all-around, an Olympian of course where she won two gold medals, and she has 14 world medals. Biles has the most medals for a U.S. female gymnast.
In my opinion, Simone Biles is truly the epitome of "black girl magic". She is a fierce, graceful, hardworking, intelligent Black woman with so much drive and passion for her craft. She amazes everyone who sees her perform with everything she does. She has dond things that people can't even do. You're probably thinking yeah right, all those gymnasts can do the exact same things. OK, so why does she have a move named after her that nobody can do? Not even her guy friends? Exactly. The "Biles" is a a double layout with a half twist out. Trust me, I have no idea what any of that means or how to do it, so you can simply watch Simone do it here.
If you haven't watched Simone Biles perform or talk in any interviews, you definitely should. I believe she is a great role model, athlete, and person all around. I know that there are tons of people, especially younger girls, that look up to her. She is so talented, yet so humble. In an interview, Biles stated, "I'm not the next Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps, I'm the first Simone Biles". She said that she is the same person regardless if she won two Olympic gold medals. I am so happy I got to witness her perform during the Olympics along with the rest of the U.S. Gymnastics team. Simone, Gabby, and Simone Manuel (the first African American woman to win an individual event in Olympic swimming) all make me so happy to be a Black girl and use my own Black girl magic.
Keep shining ladies! The world is watching and we're cheering you on.
