What I will miss most about Rio Olympics 2016

I have such mixed emotions about what the world has witnessed these past two weeks at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Of course, I am happy watching how countries all across the world came together in peace to compete in various athletic events. The sportsmanship that they each showed one another was wonderful. What makes me happier to the point of tears is the “AWESOMENESS” of all the #blackgirlmagic we have seen. The strength and determination displayed by each woman cannot be denied or ignored.

How great to see many different images of these powerful Black women in all tones, shapes and sizes. We saw 19-year old Simone Biles with her very muscular body moving across the gymnastics arena with such poise and grace. We were wowed by Michelle Carter, who won Gold in the Shot Put event, showing America that we all do not have to fit this one model to be a size 2 to be healthy, powerful and a winner. So just in case you have been locked in a closet for the last 2 1/2 weeks here is the USA #blackgirlmagic list:

• Michelle Carter – Shot Put – Gold
• Simone Biles – Gymnastics – 4 Gold, 1 Bronze
• Simone Manuel – Swimming – 2 Gold, 2 Silver
• Ashleigh Johnson – Women’s Water Polo Goalie – Gold
• Chaunte Lowe – Women’s High Jump – 4th Place
• Allyson Felix – Track and Field – 2 Gold, 1 Silver
• Claressa Shields – Boxing – Gold
• Vashti Cunningham – High Jump – 15th place
• Nastash Hastings – Track and Field – Gold
• Inika McPherson – High Jump – 10th place
• Gabby Douglas – Gymnastics – Gold
• English Gardner – Track and Field – Gold
• Tori Bowie – Track and Field – 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
• Dalilah Muhammand – Track and Field – Gold
• Tianna Bartoletta – Track and Field – 2 Gold
• Brianna Rollins – Track and Field – Gold
• Ibtihaj Muhammad – Fencing – Bronze
• Kristi Castlin – Track and Field – Bronze
• Nia Ali – Track and Field – Silver
• Courtney Okolo – Track and Field – Gold
• Foluke Akinradewo – Volleyball – Bronze
• Morolake Akinosun – Track and Field – Gold
• Rachel Adams – Volleyball – Bronze
• Francena McCorory – Track and Field – Gold
• Phyllis Frances – Track and Field – Gold
• Taylor Ellis-Watson – Track and Field – Gold
• Ariana Washington – Track and Field – Gold
• Ashley Spencer – Track and Field – Bronze
• Brittney Reese – Long Jump – Silver

I know the list is long and it would have been even longer if I mentioned every woman of color who competed and/or won from other countries such as Jamaica and from the continent of Africa. Honorable mention in my book goes to Sydney McLaughlin who competed in the 400 meter hurdles ranking 5th in the semifinals. In her interview after the race she was quoted as saying, “this race is over but not my career.” Keep pushing Syndey!!

So if I am happy why am I also so sad this has now come to end? Duh, I won’t be able to turn on the TV to see all these amazing women compete. Sigh. It was exciting to see my phone light up with new alerts on Black women winning. I loved scrolling through my Facebook timeline as other Black women stuck their chest out to collectively said, “Yeah, WE BAD!” (Bad meaning good which using that word will really date me).  I was secretly trying to figure how to start a petition demanding the Olympics both Summer and Winter be every year and not 4 years apart. Yeah I know…voting…time to build arenas….I get it. Thank goodness for video footage that will be replayed forever online. I cannot wait to see all the young Black women who have been inspired by this to compete for 2020, 2024 and beyond. The next time someone makes a negative comment about First Lady Michelle Obama’s arms remind them she is a part of this group of fabulous Black woman some of whom won medals at the Olympics.