Thursday, February 25. 2021 Why did you choose this image? https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/13/sports/olympics/a-closer-look-at-simone-manuel-olympic-medalist-history-maker.html Swimming pools have historically been among the most segregated places in America. Because black Americans were systematically denied access to pools for much of the 20th century, swimming never became part of African-American recreational culture. This legacy helped create high barriers to swimming participation among black Americans that remain in place today. Simone Manuel is an amazing swimmer. She was the FIRST EVER African-American woman to win an individual event in Olympic swimming. To me, she is the epitome of strength and resilience. She is an outstanding ambassador for the sport and I hope that everyone has the opportunity to watch her compete in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics. She is an incredible athlete, but she also seems like an incredibly cool person. Watch the video of her on the podium after her gold medal in the 100m freestyle.