Photo via: Stanford Athletics
Since becoming the first African American woman to win an individual Olympic medal in swimming at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Simone Manuel has become an inspiration for children who look like her to pursue swimming. A year later she made history again - this time at the 2017 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championships, where she became the first woman to swim the 100 freestyle event in less than 46 seconds.
Now, the Stanford University senior has received the Honda Cup for Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year. The 14-time NCAA champion said in an Instagram post: "So honored and humbled to stand alongside the best of the best in college athletics. What an empowering weekend recognizing 15 hardworking, resilient, and inspiring women. I had an amazing time getting to know all of these women and becoming a part of a great sisterhood and rich legacy of women’s athletics. Thank you so much to @CWSA_HondaCup!! As always, all glory to God. Many thanks to my family, friends, coaches, teammates, fans and more for their continued support along my journey."
According to Stanford News, Manuel, who holds two Olympic gold and two Olympic silver medals, "finished her Stanford career with six American records, seven NCAA records and seven school records."
Congratulations, Simone! Thank you for blazing a trail and being an inspiration to us all.