Simone Manuel made history at the Rio Olympics on Thursday when she became the first female African-American swimmer to win a gold medal in an individual event. Suffice it to say the Houston, Texas native understood her place in history.
Manuel was tearful and crying during the medal ceremony after she won her gold in the 100m freestyle:
Medal ceremony for 100m Freestyle. @simone_manuel & @OleksiakPenny both won #Gold. pic.twitter.com/KhSeivlwZf
— Erick Montoya (@E_Mon894) August 12, 2016
Manuel, 20, tied with Canada’s Penny Oleksiak in the race, which meant they both got gold medals. Manuel’s reaction to realizing she had tied for first was incredible:
Simone Manuel ties for gold with an Olympic record: pic.twitter.com/7CLwNwhI62
— Deadspin (@Deadspin) August 12, 2016
In her post-race interview with NBC, Manuel reflected on the significance of winning the gold medal in historical fashion for the U.S.
“It means a lot. This medal is not just for me; it’s for a whole bunch of people who came before me and have been an inspiration to me. … I just want to be an inspiration that you can do it,” said Manuel.
"All glory to God" – @Simone_Manuel (1st African-American woman to medal in individual swimmin event.) #TeamUSA pic.twitter.com/JrR54n86vq
— Mandisa (@mandisaofficial) August 12, 2016
