Tokyo Olympics: 4 Black Women Who Are Chasing Gold Medals
Sha’Carri Richardson and Simone Biles look to dominate at the Tokyo Olympics
By: Cory Utsey
The once-postponed yet highly anticipated Tokyo Summer Olympics officially commence on Friday, July 23. This means that the Olympic trials are in full effect, and American athletes are competing to be a part of the anticipated 600 qualifiers being sent to Tokyo.
It is already clear that there will likely be a number of Black athletes competing for the gold-- especially Black women.
Here are four of the Black women athletes expected to dominate the Summer Olympics.
Sha’Carri Richardson - Track and Field
Sha'Carri Richardson celebrates after winning the first heat of the semifinals in the women's 100 meters at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials on Saturday in Eugene, Ore.
Associated Press photo by Ashley Landis
The 21-year-old Dallas native first came to prominence in 2019. A freshman at Louisiana State University at the time, she ran 10.75 seconds and broke the 100 meter record at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championships, winning her the NCAA title.
Despite losing her mother just days before the U.S Olympic Track and Field trials, she secured her spot in Tokyo on Juneteenth by running 10.86 seconds for the women’s 100 meter event. Immediately running to embrace her grandmother following her success, the bright-haired beauty warmed the hearts of many.
Richardson continues to trend, not only for her immense success on the field, but for her confident candor off the field. Letting everyone know that she is “that girl”, many are excited to see her compete on Team USA Track and Field.
Simone Manuel - Swimming
Simone Manuel - Getty Images
At the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, Manuel became the first Black woman to win an individual Olympic gold medal, and she will now be competing in the 50 meter freestyle.
The trailblazer revealed that she was recently diagnosed with overtraining syndrome (OTS), a form of burnout which causes fatigue and temporarily declines the performance of athletes despite intense training. Experiencing symptoms such as anxiety and sore muscles, she was forced to take a three-week hiatus from training.
Fortunately, none of these tribulations stopped her from securing her spot on Team USA Swimming.
Allyson Felix - Track and Field
Allyson Felix at the Olympic Trials
Credit: Ashley Landis/Associated Press
Felix has nine Olympic medals-- enough said.
After qualifying for the 400 meter event, she will compete in her 5th olympics. Felix is currently the most decorated Olympic runner in U.S. history.
This three-time World Champion is expected to make great strides, regardless of which event she competes in.
Simone Biles - Gymnastics
Simone Biles competing in the floor exercise during the 2021 Olympic Trials
Credit: Carmen Mandato/ Getty Images
The five-time Olympic medalist is set to compete once again at the Olympics.
Known as one of the most decorated gymnasts in the world-- third to be exact-- USA Today reports that she already secured the all-around title at the U.S Gymnastics Championships.
There is very little doubt that she will be anything less than extraordinary.
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