Gold, record, firsts for black US swimmer Simone Manuel

NEW YORK

Simone Manuel became the first black American swimmer to win an individual event in Olympics history with a victory in the 100m race.

Manuel and Penny Alexia of Canada touched the wall at for 52.17 seconds, setting a new Olympic record.

“All glory to God. It’s definitely been a long journey these past four years and I’m just so blessed to have the gold medal, I’m just so blessed,” a tearful Manuel told NBC News.

“This medal is not just for me," Manuel said. "It is for a whole bunch of people that came before me and have been an inspiration for me, and it’s for all the people after me who believe that they can’t do it and I just want to be an inspiration to others that you can do it.”

Manuel’s victory is especially significant considering the historical racial segregation in the U.S.

After swimming pools became popular, segregation laws, economic and societal pressures excluded blacks from the new recreation. When public pools became integrated, the ones in which blacks played in were often poorly maintained and lessons were hardly ever offered and when they were, costs were a factor.

The newest Olympic champion took to swimming at a young age and excelled at the sport, choosing swimming over dance. She went to Stanford University where she honed her skills and is now is the first U.S. gold medalist in the event since 1984.

Katie Ledecky, winner of three gold medals in Rio Games and Manuel’s roommate at the Olympic village, tweeted her elation. “AHHH!!! My roomie @simone_manuel just won a gold medal! I'm shaking. So proud of you. #CHAMP”.

The race was the second time the event ended in a tie after the 1984 Los Angeles Games where Americans Nancy Hogshead and Carrie Steinseifer tied for the fastest time at 55.92 seconds.