Simone Manuel

Simone Manuel achieved international recognition at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where she earned two gold and two silver medals, becoming the first Black American woman to win an individual Olympic gold medal in swimming. Her early career saw her make an impact at the 2012 Junior Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, securing multiple gold medals, and she continued to progress by competing in the 2013 World Aquatics Championships, demonstrating consistent performance in freestyle events. In recognition of her historic performance in Rio, Manuel was honored with the Golden Goggles Female Race of the Year award in 2016. Manuel continued her dominance at the World Championships, accumulating a remarkable number of medals and setting new American and world records.

Her commitment to community enrichment is also evident through her collaboration with LeBron James’ I Promise School, where she has offered swim programs designed to provide essential water safety skills and introduce the sport to children in the community. Through her sustained excellence and powerful advocacy, Manuel continues to inspire both in and out of the pool.