Simone Manuel/Photo Courtesy of Instagram
Simone Manuel has had a busy and exciting year. After winning the 50-meter dash race at the Olympic swimming trials this past week, the 24-year-old athlete met the qualification requirements for this year’s Tokyo Olympics, which will be her second chance to compete on the world stage. But while Manuel is gaining more recognition and praise on social media, one troll decided to take a jab at the swim star, comparing her appearance to NBA player Dwight Howard.
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Writing on Twitter, the user retweeted an ESPN article recognizing Manuel’s recent win, saying, “Congratulations…… First glance I thought this was Dwight Howard [laughing emoji]”
Taking a moment out of her busy schedule to address the troll, Manuel brought up the issue of Black women being considered masculine because they’re fit or don’t adhere to certain body standards, something that Serena Williams, Simone Biles and other Black female athletes have faced in the past.
“I usually don’t respond to things like this but we gotta stop calling Black women manly,” she
replied back on Twitter. “Have a blessed day.”Other users entered Manuel’s replies to support the gold medalist’s polite and succinct clapback.
“When you operate in purpose and bold confidence they can’t even faze you. Such a classy response to a personal attack; focused on the greater good of all Black women. I love this!!!” one fan tweeted.
Another Twitter user wrote under Manuel’s tweet, “Insecure males are so easily intimidated by successful Black queens. Congratulations to you #TokyoBound.”
Mentioning Olympic track contender Sha’Carri Richardson’s similar online criticism, another user added, “They’re doing the same thing to Sha’Carri but say it’s not a race thing lol. I don’t see this happening with white female athletes.”
Manuel previously made history in 2016, becoming the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal in an individual swim race. Now the young swimmer is headed to Tokyo for the Summer Olympics, where she’s sure to make an even bigger name for herself.