Bet You Didn’t Know
Volume 1, No. 23
How are you?
Hit the comment section and let me know. Truly. I’d love to hear.
Me? I’m doing well. I have been binging on the Olympics. I don't watch much television but sports pull me in every time. It inspires you to move your body. You know you are not a world class athlete but there is beauty in movement. The body was designed to move.
Because I’ve been continuously acquiring so much new knowledge, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite “findings”, so to speak. Or maybe some things you might not know but should. I hope that’s okay with you.
WISDOM OF THE WEEK
“We have to protect our body and our mind.”
— Simone Biles
CULTURAL CORNER - OLYMPICS DID YOU KNOW???
– Tidye Pickett and Louise Stokes story is not told nearly enough. In 1932, they became the first Black women to qualify for the U.S. Olympic team. The duo, however, never got to compete at the Olympics because they were replaced on the 4x100 relay team by two white athletes who trial times were significantly slower. In 1936 at the Summer Games in Berlin, Jesse Owens is not the only black Olympian from America. Pickett became the first Black woman to compete for the U.S.
– There are still firsts for black women happening. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone became the first woman to win back-to-back gold medals in the 400 meter hurdles.She hasn't lost a race since 2019. She has broken her own world record six times including this week. Wyomia Tyus was the first (male or female) person ever to repeat as Olympic gold medalist in the 100 (1964, 1968).
– In the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro, Simone Manuel won gold in the 100m freestyle, becoming the first Black female swimmer to do so. In an interview with People magazine, Manuel shared: “it’s very obvious that [their attitudes are] rooted in the thinking that Black people can’t swim, shouldn’t swim or can’t be successful in the sport of swimming.” Manuel went on to say, “I continue to press forward to hopefully make the journey a little bit easier for someone who comes behind me.” Before Simone, Maritza McClendon Correia, was the first Puerto Rican of African descent woman to make the U.S. Olympic swim team in 2004. She also became the first African American female swimmer to win an Olympic medal, taking silver in the 400-meter freestyle relay. She also became the first Black female swimmer from the United States to set an American and world swimming record.
I’d love to hear any facts about track and field you know or to help you clear up any misconceptions. Just hit reply. Again, I’m in a constant season of learning.
NUGGET OF THE WEEK
“I pray my journey may be a clear depiction of submission and obedience to God. Even when it doesn’t make sense, even when it doesn’t seem possible. He will make a way out of no way. Not for my own gratification, but for His glory.”
Until next time.....remember use your voice and document your stories because they matter!
If you are interested in trying out Audible, click on the link for a 30 day free trial.
