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By Maya Mackey
Usually, The Olympic Games are a time we celebrate global diversity and greatness. Every four years the summer games tease us with a spirit of world peace. It’s still a competition though and for many Black people, it’s the only time we get downright patriotic. This year’s games gave us a generous dose of patriotism. Black women led TEAM USA to victory time and time again while also displaying a level of sportsmanship and care that we rarely see in men. We saw evidence of this when Rebbecca Andrade, Brazil’s finest female gymnast, won gold in her final floor routine. Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles placed second and third respectively. Just moments before Brazil’s National Anthem was played, Chiles and Biles spontaneously bowed to Rebecca signifying her as gymnastics royalty.
Rebecca was so touched by the gesture that she held out her hands to Jordan on her left and Simone on her right demonstrating a sisterhood that transcends borders and languages. Mark my words, it’s a photo that will be framed in Black households right next to your mom’s Barack Obama and Kamala Harris-laden mantels.
Over on the handball field, Tamires Araujo Frossard of Brazil carried rival Albertina Kassoma of Angola off the court after an injury kept her from standing. This is evidence that women are experts at keeping their humanity intact in spite of their competitive careers. It’s truly a touching moment to watch.
While much buzz was made about what will be the infamous “Black Lady Podium’” made up of Andrade, Chiles, and Biles, it was not the only All-Black podium at the 2024 games. It was also seen on the track and field platform with Sydney Mclaughlin-Levrone, Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson.
Another track stand out was gold medalist long jumper, Tara-Davis Woodhall. Often sported wearing a cowgirl hat and boots, the California native crushed the competition, much to her shock. She fell backward into the sand and made victorious sand angels before running and jumping into her husband’s (Paralympian Track Star- Hunter Woodall) arms. Hunter went viral for his tearful adoration of his wife when he was caught on video saying, “You did it, babe! You’re the Olympic Champion.”
Across the Diaspora, Marileidy Paulino from the Dominican Republic crushed her 400m unhurdled race, not only winning gold but setting a new record of 48.17 seconds! Letsile Tebogo from Botswana became the overnight sensation when he beat, much to our surprise, Noah Lyles in the 200m race, gifting the nation of Botswana its first EVER Olympic gold medal. At only 21 years old, he’ll be one to watch for many Olympic games to come. Africanews.com reports that 38 medals in total were won by athletes across the continent, with Kenya leading the most victories. The outstanding marathoner, Béatrice Chebet from Kenya took gold in both the 5,000m and 10,000m events. Tatjana Smith brought gold to South Africa for winning her 100M Breaststroke swim. Jamaica’s Roje Stona won the gold in men’s Discus Throw. Julien Alfred, from St, Lucia won not only the first gold but the first-ever medal for the Island in her 100M race against Sha’carri Richardson and Melissa Jefferson.
In fencing, Queens, N.Y. native Lauren Scruggs became the first Black American woman to win an individual fencing medal (silver) and aided the US Women’s team in securing their first gold medal in this event.
My other personal favorite Olympic moments include Azerbaijan’s Yaylagul Ramazanova , the pregnant archer, Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem earning the country’s first gold in the javelin throw and Zhou Yaqin, Chinese gymnast adorably following suit and biting her medal alongside Italy’s Alice D’amato and Manila Esposito.
Dare I say this might be the greatest Summer Olympic Games we’ve witnessed. I can’t wait to see how we top it in 2028.
