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10 Things You Need To Know About Simone Manuel was originally published on ioneglobalgrind.staging.go.ione.nyc

1. Simone made history this year as the first Black woman to win Olympic gold in an individual swimming event.

10 Things You Need To Know About Simone Manuel was originally published on ioneglobalgrind.staging.go.ione.nyc

2. The gold medal-winner often wanted to quit swimming because she “always had an issue with not seeing people that looked like me in the sport.”

The gold medal-winner often wanted to quit swimming because she “always had an issue with not seeing people that looked like me in the sport.”

10 Things You Need To Know About Simone Manuel was originally published on ioneglobalgrind.staging.go.ione.nyc

3. With returning Olympian and fellow Stanford teammate Lia Neal, Rio was the first time two Black women qualified for the U.S. Olympic swim team.

With returning Olympian and fellow Stanford teammate Lia Neal, Rio was the first time two Black women qualified for the U.S. Olympic swim team.

10 Things You Need To Know About Simone Manuel was originally published on ioneglobalgrind.staging.go.ione.nyc

4. She started swimming at four-years-old.

She started swimming at four-years-old.

10 Things You Need To Know About Simone Manuel was originally published on ioneglobalgrind.staging.go.ione.nyc

5. Simone’s favorite pastime is cooking.

Simone’s favorite pastime is cooking.

10 Things You Need To Know About Simone Manuel was originally published on ioneglobalgrind.staging.go.ione.nyc

6. The 20-year-old will be a sophomore this fall at Stanford University and is looking to major in communications.

The 20-year-old will be a sophomore this fall at Stanford University and is looking to major in communications.

10 Things You Need To Know About Simone Manuel was originally published on ioneglobalgrind.staging.go.ione.nyc

7. As a nod to her effortless abilities once she hits water, her friends named her “Swimone.”

As a nod to her effortless abilities once she hits water, her friends named her “Swimone.”

10 Things You Need To Know About Simone Manuel was originally published on ioneglobalgrind.staging.go.ione.nyc

8. Simone took swimming seriously after watching Michael Phelps win his eighth gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Simone took swimming seriously after watching Michael Phelps win his eighth gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

10 Things You Need To Know About Simone Manuel was originally published on ioneglobalgrind.staging.go.ione.nyc

9. Simone has two older brothers, who she calls her best friends. Both were into swimming before her.

Simone has two older brothers, who she calls her best friends. Both were into swimming before her.

10 Things You Need To Know About Simone Manuel was originally published on ioneglobalgrind.staging.go.ione.nyc

10. Simone first tried out for the Olympic team in 2012, but didn’t make the cut until 2016. Timing is key!

Simone first tried out for the Olympic team in 2012, but didn’t make the cut until 2016. Timing is key!

10 Things You Need To Know About Simone Manuel was originally published on ioneglobalgrind.staging.go.ione.nyc