Simone Manuel: Swimming for Inclusivity and Empowerment

On International Water Safety Day, Olympic gold medalist Simone Manuel highlighted the importance of making swimming more accessible, especially to underrepresented communities. Manuel, a Stanford graduate, shared her personal experiences, emphasizing the role of her mother's encouragement in overcoming challenges related to her hair and self-image within the sport. "She would just tell me it's just hair," Manuel recalled, "and it will look good when it needs to." This resonated deeply with her message of empowerment and inclusivity. Manuel's advocacy extends to promoting education about hair care for swimmers, ensuring that participation isn't hindered by concerns about appearance. Her work underscores the need for greater representation and inclusivity in aquatics. This initiative aims to create a more welcoming and equitable environment for all.