Do Not Sleep On These Black Women Who Are World Class Olympians

Swimming is a sore subject for many Black Americans. Both a recreational activity and sport, access to swimming pools is not readily available to Black Americans. Segregation and discrimination in the sport is widely documented. In spite of the obstacles, the following two Olympians swim forth leaving space in the lanes Black Americans to follow.

Simone Manuel 

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Currently Serving as the U.S Olympic Swim team co-captain, Simone Manuel is a breakout star. Manuel holds multiple world championship medals: six gold, three silver, and two bronze — to be exact.  According to the official website for USA Swimming, Manuel is the first African American woman to win a Gold Medal in the 100m freestyle during the 2020 Beijing Olympics. Due to overtraining syndrome, a sports condition that over taxes athletes bodies, Manuel did not secure a position in the 100m freestyle for the Tokyo Olympics. Manuel will instead compete in the 50m freestyle. She still has a chance to join the swim relay team. Though Manuel is highly accomplished, her career is just getting started and the opportunity to earn more gold is right around the corner.

Maritza McClendon  

Source: The Washington Post / Getty

Swimming became a part of Mariza McClendon’s life out of necessity. McClendon was diagnosed with scoliosis, a spine disorder, at a young age her occupational therapy came in the form of swimming. While strengthening her body McClendon found her passion. She steadily advocates for more Black Americans to learn basic water safety skills. McClendon kicked the pool door wide open for African American women. In 2004, she became the first African American woman to join the Olympic Swim Team. That same year McClendon earned the Silver medal in the 400m freestyle, also becoming the first African American woman to medal in an Olympic Swimming event. McClendon served as Team USA’s swim captain in 2003, 2005 and 2007. She has earned over 12 international medals during the course of her career.