HOUSTON – Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Manuel is a guest on this week’s Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall and says the excitement of having won gold in Rio is still a rush.
“I haven’t had much time to let it sink in," she said. “It’s just been so busy, but I’ve been enjoying all of it.”
Manuel won two gold and two silver medals. One of her golds was in the 100 meter freestyle, making her the first African American Woman to win individual Olympic swimming gold. She may be the first to gain that distinction, but it’s not the first time she’s been the first or one of a few black swimmers competing. “I don’t think it’s ever something you get used to,“ she said. “Sometimes, I still do feel out of place, but it’s what I love to do and I’m having fun with it and I swim for myself. I’m enjoying it all, but it’s not something that I think I’ll ever get used to.”
Also this week, Manuel talks about her tears on the awards podium and what they meant, and the pride of representing Sugar Land, Houston and the United States of America.
More if you click here for Houston Newsmakers Extra with Simone Manuel
ALSO THIS WEEK:
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure! Race Chair, Cindy Mixon, talks about the upcoming race on October 1, where the goal is to raise millions for breast cancer research. Komen this year has donated almost $2 million to 18 different projects in seven Southeast Texas Counties. Guest Charna Falls is a 13-year breast cancer survivor who says volunteering for Komen is a debt she willingly pays as a way to help others diagnose and fight breast cancer.
AND
Scrabble in the City will be take place on Wednesday September 14. It is a fun way to raise funds for Literacy Advance of Houston, an organization that teaches adults to read and write. Ellen Elam is the Scrabble in the City Chair and talks about how the game is played and how it can have a tremendous impact on the literacy rates in the Houston area.
Contact information for this week’s guests:
• Cindy Mixon, Chair Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure,CEO, 713-783-9188
• Ellen Elam, Chair, Scrabble in the City/Literacy Advance of Houston, 713 266-8777