The 2016 Olympics in Rio was a welcome retreat and reminder of the diversity of our world. Seeing the highest levels of athletic performance compete is inspirational.
Black athletes from around the world stepped to the highest level on the winners platform to claim their gold. Lilly Workneh, Black Voices Senior Editor of the Huffington Post compiled a comprehensive list of black athletes that won gold entitled, These Black Athletes Powerfully Dominated The 2016 Olympics, a portion of the article is below:
It’s official: The 2016 Rio Olympic Games have claimed their space in black history.
For some black Olympians this year, the road to Rio has been a tumultuous one. But these athletes, like many others, have sacrificed sweat, blood and tears to earn distinguished triumph. They’ve defeated the odds, broken barriers and set records in their journey to success ― many of which have earned them prestigious gold medals, some even in predominantly white sports, like swimming.
It’s time, then, to get acquainted with these incredible black athletes and all they’ve accomplished at this year’s Olympic Games.
Simone Manuel: Team USA, Swimming
Gold medalist USA’s Simone Manuel celebrates her historic win at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Simone Manuel, 20, made history on Aug. 11 when she became the first black woman to earn a gold medal in individual swimming. Manuel, who is from Houston, Texas, tied for the top place medal with Canadian Penny Oleksiak.
Manuel burst into tears following her epic win and acknowledged just how much the emotional victory meant to her and millions around the world. It’s a significant win, especially considering swimming’s racist past. “This medal is not just for me,” she said in an interview following her epic win. “It’s for all the people who believe they can’t do it.”
Simone Biles: Team USA, Gymnastics
Simone Biles of the USA performs her balance beam routine during the artistic gymnastics women’s individual all-around final event at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
Simone Biles is a formidable
