Simone Manuel: ‘All glory to God’ after winning historic gold medal

Author: Kresta in the Afternoon Published on: August 12, 2016 Published in: New Evangelization & Discipleship

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RIO DE JANEIRO (Christian Examiner) – American Simone Manuel became the first African-American woman to medal in an individual swimming event Thursday night, and then immediately gave “glory to God” during an emotional interview.

Manuel won the women’s 100-meter freestyle, tying Canada’s Penny Oleksiak for the gold medal with a time of 52.70 seconds – a new Olympic record. It was a comeback victory for Manuel, who appeared out of the gold medal hunt halfway through the race but passed several swimmers during the final 50 meters.

Asked what was going through her mind, Manuel told an NBC national audience as she fought back tears, “All I can say is all glory to God. It’s definitely been a long journey these past four years. I’m just so blessed to have a gold medal … I’m just so blessed.”

No American had won a gold medal in the event since 1984.

Manuel said it “means a lot” to be the first African-American woman to win an individual swimming gold.

“[But[ this medal is not just for me. It’s for a whole bunch of people who came before me and have been an inspiration for me,” she said. ” … I just want to be an inspiration to others that you can do it.”