From August 5 to August 21, the world reaches a unique moment of harmony and patriotism. The Olympic Games bring out the world's most dedicated athletes and puts them on a platform to break records and make a name for themselves. Each Olympic Games is special because it creates a new generation of celebrities.
The Olympics is one of my favorite things to look forward to. My American pride becomes a all time high especially when I see girls who look like me completely DOMINATE and live up to their athletic abilities.
#BlackGirlMagic is one of my favorite hashtags that embodies how magical black girls can be despite our lack of equality and treatment throughout the world. In this year's Olympic Games that very magic is showing off tenfold thanks to the following ladies.
Simone Biles
She's a 19 year old gymnast from Spring, TX that has made history repeatedly by chartering territory her opponents haven't dared to do so. Before competing in Rio, Simone began her historic career by becoming the first woman to win the World Championships in all-around, floor, and balance beam events. As a member of the Final Five she has already won two gold medals with her team and individually as all round. The best part is she has the opportunity to compete in three more events for additional medals preferably gold.
Gabrielle Douglas
Unlike Simone, Gabby is a veteran to the Olympic Team where she paved the way for Simone and several others behind her. The now 20 year old Virginia Beach native made history in the 2012 London Games where she became the first African American woman in Olympic history to become the individual all-around champion. Before Rio, Gabby was the first American gymnast to win gold in both the individual all-around and team competition. Despite not having the best Olympic trial run, the committee placed her on the team and she was able to help her team achieve gold.
Simone Manuel
Don't know what to name your baby girl but want her to be successful in her future? Easy solution, just name her Simone and the rest will work out perfectly! This Simone does flip (turns) in the water while slicing through waves seemingly effortlessly. The 20 year old Stanford swimmer is a Houston native that made history this past Thursday for her Olympic record-breaking performance. Manuel and Canada's Penny Oleksiak tied in the 100 Meter Freestyle with an impressive 52.70 time. In doing so Manuel became the first African American woman to win an individual event in Olympic swimming. Her story in particular is great because it dispels stereotypes of black girls not wanting to get their hair wet. Also, she's best friends with fellow Stanford swimmer/gold-medalist, Katie Ledecky.
Ashleigh Johnson
Water polo? What that's in the Olympics too. It surely is and 21 year old Ashleigh is taking this sport by storm by being the first ever black member of the US Women's Water Polo team. She is already predicted to have a great impact and carry to team to a medal.
Ibtihaj Muhammad
Ibtihaj shines with her magic as she became the first ever US Olympian to wear a hijab while competing in the games. Many have tried to stifle her beliefs and prevent her from wearing the hijab but she stand proud and true and now competes in fencing representing her country and her religion.
Michelle Carter
Before I had the time to finish writing this piece another black girl made history our magic is OVERflowing throughout Rio and I couldn't be happier. Carter broke history when her final throw of 20.73 meters earned her America's first gold medal in the shot put event.
Leslie Jones
I'm fully aware comedic cheering and pure patriotism aren't Olympic sports but Rio should reconsider because Leslie definitely took the gold AND silver in such an event. If you don't already please follow her on Twitter to stay updated on her adventures throughout Rio. Let's just say she has set a new bar for a cheering section.
Best part is that the black girl magic doesn’t end this week because Track and Field events start this past Friday.
GOOOOO TEAM USAA !!!!!!!
