Showing posts with label 2016 Olympics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2016 Olympics. Show all posts

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Ibtihaj Muhammad and team win bronze medal

Earlier this week Ibtihaj Muhammad became known for making history as the first American woman to wear a hijab during Olympic competition. Now she along with her her fencing team have a medal to show that they belonged with the world's best.

Maplewood NJ native Ibtihaj Muhammad failed in her attempt at an individual medal at the Rio Olympics she didn't give up. Along with her teammates Dagmara Wozniak, Monica Aksamit, and Mariel Zagunis Team USA defeated Italy 45-30 in the bronze medal bout of the team sabre event.

"This has been a long journey for us," Muhammad said. This is six years in the making. We've worked so hard for this, and to be able to compete at the level that we've worked towards, on the world's biggest stage at the Olympic Games, is truly a blessing for us."

Friday, August 12, 2016

Simone Manuel: First African-American woman to medal in an individual swimming event.

Simone Manuel won a gold medal in the women's 100 freestyle final Thursday night, surprising even herself.

Her jaw dropped as she looked up to the scoreboard and saw a tie for gold and an Olympic-record time of 52.70 seconds. A FINA official confirmed that Manuel is the first African American woman to win Olympic gold in an individual event.

The last time an American woman won gold in the event was 1984, when Nancy Hogshead and Carrie Steinseifer also tied.

This is the first tie for a gold medal since Anthony Ervin and Gary Hall Jr. did it in the 50 free in Sydney in 2000.

[SOURCE]

Sunday, August 07, 2016

Black Olympian Spotlight: Jenny Arthur, Weightlifting


Other Black Olympians: Shakur Stevenson boxer, Colton Brown wrestler

The 2016 Olympics are now under way and I will be highlighting black athletes competing in the 2016 Summer Games in Rio who wont get as much publicity as a Serena Williams or the USA men's basketball team. I would like to introduce to you to weightlifter Jenny Arthur.

Weight class: 69kg
Height: 5'5
What year did you being lifting? October 2009
How did you get involved? I started lifting to improve in other sports.
Favorite Competition Lift? Clean and Jerk 
Favorite Training Lift? Snatch off the blocks
Education: I want to major in Child Development.
Personal Goals: I feel my talents are a complete gift from God so my goals are to use them with the best of my ability.
Favorite Food: Chinese Food
Favorite Book: Bible
Favorite TV Show: Extreme Home Makeover
Favorite song that gets you motivated: Victory By Yolanda Adams
Hobbies/Interested outside of Weightlifting: Spending time with family/friends,Track and Field,Tennis, Softball and reading magazines.
Most people don’t know that….I want to volunteer at many different homeless shelters across the world.

Friday, July 22, 2016

Barbie® Unveils One-of-a-Kind Doll Honoring Gabby Douglas


(Black PR Wire) EL SEGUNDO, Calif., - Barbie® honors Gabby Douglas, U.S. Women’s Artistic and Olympic Gold Gymnast (2012 London), by unveiling a one-of-a-kind doll in her likeness to remind girls they can be anything.

The 20-year-old athlete is a force to be reckoned with as she heads to Rio to defend her title. At just 16, Douglas was the first woman of color to win the individual all-around competition for gymnastics. Her confidence, work ethic and belief in herself make her an extraordinary role model to girls.

Named the next Barbie “Shero” honoree, a female hero inspiring girls by breaking boundaries and expanding possibilities for women everywhere, Douglas joins an esteemed group of women including Misty Copeland, Ava DuVernay, Emmy Rossum, Eva Chen, Trisha Yearwood and Zendaya, all who have also received the highest honor from the Barbie brand – being immortalized in plastic.

“I love a challenge. I love to push limits and I love that my very own Barbie celebrates me for being a role model to girls,” said Douglas. “Being honored as a Barbie Shero further motivates me to inspire girls by being the best I can be.”

The fashions for the doll were inspired by Douglas’ own signature GK leotard line that she wears while training hard in the gym. Dressed in a red, white and blue Gabby GK Elite leotard, the doll comes complete with a Nike warm-up suit. The doll is fully articulated, allowing her to do almost all of the moves Gabby performs.

“Playing with Barbie allows girls to imagine everything they can become," said Lisa McKnight, General Manager and Senior Vice President, Barbie. "While imagining you can be anything is the first step, seeing that you can is what makes all the difference. Role models like Gabby Douglas show girls that with determination and perseverance their potential is limitless.”

Saturday, July 02, 2016

Usain Bolt injured before 2016 Summer Olympics

Six-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt has suffered an injury ahead of Rio after tearing a hamstring at Jamaica's Olympic trials.

Bolt, 29, sustained the grade-one tear during the first round of the 100m and withdrew after winning his semi-final.

He is still expected to defend his 100 and 200m titles as Jamaica's selection policy allows medical exemptions.

Statement from Usain Bolt:

“After feeling discomfort in my hamstring after the first round last night and then again in the semi-final tonight I was examined by the Chief Doctor of the National Championships and diagnosed with a Grade 1 tear. I have submitted a medical exemption to be excused from the 100m final and the remainder of the National Championships. I will seek treatment immediately and hope to show fitness at the London Anniversary Games on July 22 to earn selection for the Olympic Games in Rio”.