Simone Manuel’s win really resonated with me. I’m Black. I passed the swimming test in high school… except for the floating part. I did sidestroke so I wouldn’t have to put my face in the water. Still, I hated the water and didn’t get back in any pool until earlier this year, when I learned the freestyle crawl.

It meant a lot to me to see another Black woman just getting ready for the race, then she won a gold! All those negative voices I’d internalized sat up and took note. I can’t say I really like the water, but I’m a stronger swimmer now.