The world watched Simone Manuel make history last night when she received a gold medal in the the 100-meter freestyle at the Rio Olympics. She became the first African American female swimmer to take gold EVER in an individual event, but that’s not all people are talking about.
Simone spoke with USA Today and spoke about some serious issues back here in the states.
She said, “It means a lot, especially with what is going on in the world today, some of the issues of police brutality,” Manuel said.
“This win hopefully brings hope and change to some of the issues that are going on. My color just comes with the territory.”
Manuel said she tried to take the pressure of during her race by distancing herself from the ‘the significance of being a rare black swimmer representing the U.S, in order to focus on chasing victory.’
“It is something I’ve definitely struggled with a lot,” Manuel said. “Coming into the race I tried to take weight of the black community off my shoulders. It’s something I carry with me. I want to be an inspiration, but I would like there to be a day when it is not ‘Simone the black swimmer.’
Congrats Simone! You did that!
Source: http://www.lovebscott.com/news/simone-manuel-speaks-out-on-race-and-police-brutality-after-historic-olympic-gold-medal-win
