Then & Now: Black Women Have Always Reigned Supreme In These Olympic Streets

Tennis commands the attention of viewers around the world. The most notable name in Tennis is Serena Williams, but when it comes to the Olympics it is her older sister Venus who wears the crown. Coco Gauff is a relative newbie in the sport attempting to make her mark like many Black women before her.

Coco Gauff 

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Heavily inspired by the Williams sisters Coco Gauff made a slow but steady climb to the top. The official Wimbledon site lists Gauff as the first place singles winner in 2020. She was selected to represent the USA Olympic team in 2020. Unfortunately, at the time of this publication it was announced that Gauff’s Olympic dreams would be put on hold as she withdrew after contracting Covid – 19. As the youngest player to ever be selected for the US Tennis team, surely this will not be Gauff’s final chance at the gold.

Gauff’s exit does leave the U.S. at a disadvantage. Tennis great, and former American citizen-turned-expatriate, Naomi Osaka will represent Japan. Osaka, a Japanese and Black woman was chosen as the anchor — the athlete who lights the final torch and signals the beginning of the competition. The last active athlete to hold that honor was Cathy Freeman in Australia’s 2000 Olympics. 

Venus Williams

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You should already know but in case you don’t, here’s a quick review of the greatest. Venus Williams is the most decorated Tennis Olympian in its history. Venus holds five individual Olympic medals that she won consecutively between 2000 – 2016. 

On top of her four gold medals and a silver medal for individual wins, Williams along with her sister Serena, are the winningest doubles pair in Olympic history with a perfect 15-0 record, according to teamusa.org. At age 41, Williams is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time. In-between competing she also designs and operates an activewear brand Eleven by Venus Williams.