Listen Live
Power 107.5 Featured Video
CLOSE

US-OLYMPICS-ATHLETE-PORTRAITS

Simone Manuel made history last night as the first Black woman to win an Olympic medal in an individual swimming event. Much less gold. The race from last night proved to be even more exciting because the shine was all on Australian sisters Bronte and Cate Campbell who were poised to be the first siblings to stand on the podium together.

But with Manuel finally being recognized for her amazing swimming, here are 10 facts about USA’s latest star.

 

1. Simone made history this year as the first Black woman to win Olympic gold in an individual swimming event.

 

2.The gold medal-winner often wanted to quit swimming because she “always had an issue with not seeing people that looked like me in the sport.”

 

3. With returning Olympian and fellow Stanford teammate Lia Neal, Rio was the first time two Black women qualified for the U.S. Olympic swim team.

 

4. She started swimming at four-years-old.

5. Simone’s favorite pastime is cooking.

 

6.The 20-year-old will be a sophomore this fall at Stanford University and is looking to major in communications.

 

7.As a nod to her effortless abilities once she hits water, her friends named her “Swimone.”

 

8. Simone took swimming seriously after watching Michael Phelps win his eighth gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

9. Simone has two older brothers, who she calls her best friends. Both were into swimming before her.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGKo_pVgMF0/?taken-by=swimone13&hl=en

 

10. Simone first tried out for the Olympic team in 2012, but didn’t make the cut until 2016. Timing is key.

IMAGE SOURCE: Getty, Instagram, Twitter

 

READ MORE ON THE URBAN DAILY

Your Favorite Olympians: Where Are They Now?

‘Blade Runner’ Oscar Pistorius Sentenced To Six Years In Prison For Girlfriend’s Murder

Kyrie Irving Remembers Challenging Kobe Bryant To A Game Of 1-On-1 For $50K

Who Is Simone Manuel? 10 Fast Facts About The Olympic Swimmer & Gold Medalist  was originally published on theurbandaily.com