At this year’s summer Olympics in Rio, Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas are poised to serve up some serious competition in gymnastics. Lia Neal and Simone Manuel are making history as the first black women duo on the Olympic swim team. Venus and Serena need no introduction (or last name).
They are shining stars in a world that doesn’t often shout out black women’s achievements. But we been here, showing up and showing out.
Here’s just a handful of the black American women who have competed at the Olympics throughout history, kicking ass and taking names the whole time.