Take a look at the talented and beautiful faces of the black athletes who will be representing Team USA in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics & Paralympics.
Some of name's and faces on this list may be familiar and some may not be. Nevertheless, we should all be excited to see what these ladies will achieve in the coming months. This momentous moment, even if it is simply just the trials, is definitely cause for celebration. Take a look at the ladies prepared to completely sweep the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.
Simone Biles
An Artistic American Gymnast from Columbus, Ohio, with a total of 30 Olympic and World Championship Medals. The 24 year old Living Legend started gymnastics at the age of 6 and will be representing Team USA in the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Naomi Osaka
Is a Japanese born Haition- American Tennis Player that can’t be put into a box. At 23 years old she has won all four of her First Grand Slam Finals, as well as the US and Australian Open’s twice. She is an entrepreneur, Social Justice Advocate, Fashion Designer and Brand Ambassador. She has been ranked by the World Tennis Association as Number 1 and is on track to represent Japan in the Tokyo Olympics this Summer.
Sha'Carri Richardson
An American Track and Field Sprinter who has qualified for Team USA in the Tokyo Olympic Games with her Standout performance at the U.S Olympic Trials. She Hails from LSU and is the 6th fastest woman of all time.
Allyson Felix
An American Sprinter who has 9 Olympic Medals under her Belt, and she is the only female track and field athlete to win 6 gold medals. At 35 years old, she returns to the olympic games for the first time as a mother. She will run the 400 meter, and this will be her last time competing in the olympics games.
A’ja Wilson
An American Basketball Player that has qualified for the USA Team in the Tokyo Olympic Games. She was the leader of the USC 17 National title Team and current leader of the Las Vegas Ace. She was named 2020 MVP by the League and 2019 rookie of the year.
Simone Manuel
The first African American ever to win a Medal in an Olympic Swimming event. The Texas Native will be once again representing the US Swim Team and plans on continuing to make history.
Crystal Dunn
is African American Soccer player who currently plays for the Portland Thorns. She has qualified for the USWNT in what will be her second Olympic appearance. Dunn is a top performer and was on the 2016 US Women's Olympic Squad. She has won two NWSL medals and is eager to get the US a fifth Gold Medal.
Naya Tapper
is an African American Rugby player making history. Born in South Carolina, and raised in Charlotte North Carolina Naya has played professionally since 2016. She is the all-time try scorer for the USA women's Eagles. She has many awards and accolades under her belt and is on track to be on the Women's Team representing the US in Tokyo.
Dalilah Muhhamad
is an American Track and Field Athlete who has qualified to represent Team USA in the Tokyo Olympic Games. Born in New York, she went on to attend USC where she earned many titles and awards in Hurdling as a student Athlete. She won gold in the 2016 Summer Olympics and hopes to do the same in Tokyo.
Kendra "Keni" Harrison
is American Track and Field Athlete who has redeemed herself after not qualifying for the 2016 Olympics. Bouncing back from 2016 Harrison will be representing Team USA in the 100 meter hurdle. A former University of Kentucky Athlete Harrison is one to watch at this Summer's Olympic Games.
Ashleigh Johnson
is an American Water Polo Player, considered to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world. She was the first African American Woman to make an olympic water polo team in 2016, she helped the team win the gold medal in the same year. She is the all time career saves leader at Princeton University. Johnson Returns to the Olympic Games this summer hoping to lead the team to another gold medal.
Deja Young
is an American Paralympic Trackstar from Texas. Young was born with brachial Plexu, which limits mobility in her right shoulder. While in College she earned gold and silver medals in the World Para Athletics championships. She won gold in the 2016 ParaOlympics in the 100 and 200 meter Dashes. She will defend her titles in the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Vashti Cunningham
is An american track and field athlete. At 23 years old this will be her second Olympic Games. She competes in the high vault Jump and placed 13th in the 2016 Olympics. This year she is hoping to win her first Olympic Medal.
Javianne Oliver
is an American Track and field Athlete. She is a University of Kentucky Alumni, and Nike Athlete. Coming in second place for the women's 100 meter dash right behind her teammate Sha'carri Richardson.
Teahna Daniels
Is an American Track and field Athlete coming out of the University Texas. Texas Track and Field great Teahna Daniels punched her ticket to the Tokyo Olympics with a third-place finish in the finals of the 100-meters at the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials on Saturday night at Hayward Field.
Gabby Thomas
Harvard graduate Gabby Thomas emerged as a favorite in the 200-meter race in the upcoming Olympic Games, punching her ticket to Tokyo with one of the event’s best times ever.
Christina Clemons
Former Ohio State Buckeye Christina Clemons qualified for the Olympics for the first time after finishing third in the 100-meter hurdles.
Quanera Hayes
Livingstone alumna, mother, and track star Quanera Hayes is headed to the Tokyo Olympics after becoming the USA national champion during the Olympic Team Trials on June 20 in Oregon.
Wadeline Jonathas
Once a runner-up in the All-State 400-meter run as a high school senior, former Doherty standout Wadeline Jonathas has punched her ticket to the Tokyo Olympics to compete in that same event
These women are not only stunning, but are very much anointed with natural abilities and gifts. The path of an athlete is not an easy one. It takes diligence, determination, and grit, that of which all of these women posses. They have all overcome their own circumstances and personal battles to be where they are today. And I, as well as the community, are absolutely proud of how far each and everyone one of them has come.
Will you be tuning into the Olympics to watch these women slay the games? Comment down below what events and which super star above you're excited to see in the field!
Written by Precious Onukwuli
Sources:
Jeff Drock
July 01, 2021
Awesome article and listing of Olympians! Please make sure to add 17 year old Tennis Pro Cori Gauff to the list. She has officially made Team USA!