Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Manuel Promotes Water Safety, Shares Empowering Childhood Story

Simone Manuel's advocacy for swimming safety highlights the disproportionate drowning rates among Black communities. Her personal story, shared in a recent TikTok video, underscores the importance of access to swimming lessons and the confidence-building role of parental support. Manuel, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, emphasizes that swimming is a life-saving skill, not just a sport. "My mother always told me, 'It's just hair, it will look good when it needs to,'" Manuel recalls, emphasizing how this simple statement helped her focus on her athletic pursuits rather than societal expectations. The video also showcases photos of her as a child, engaged in swimming, dance, and basketball. This illustrates the importance of diverse physical activities for children. Manuel's initiative to promote swimming accessibility is a significant step towards improving water safety and inclusivity.