Olympic athletes work their entire lives for a moment that could last seconds, maybe minutes. While everyone is representing their countries, Black athletes are respresenting an entire culture. In some sports they’re the only Black competitor. And the lucky ones who make it on the podium could find themselves making history as the first. From household names who’ve been in non-stop commercials leading up to the Games, to athletes you’re hearing about for the first time, it’s been a successful Summer Olympics for Black stars. We’re celebrating their excellence with a recap of the Black Olympians who’ve won medals for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Suggested Reading
Simone Biles - Gymnastics - Gold, Silver
Simone Biles confirmed her GOAT status in Paris, fighting through a calf injury to win team gold, gold in the all-around and vault, as well as silver on floor exercise.
Jordan Chiles -Gymnastics - Gold, Bronze
Powered by her Beyonce-themed leotards, Jordan Chiles won gold alongside Team USA’s other gymnastics “Golden Girls, “ then showed out to pick up bronze on floor exercise.
Lauren Scruggs - Fencing - Gold, Silver
Lauren Scruggs made history by becoming the first Black woman to win individual medal in fencing. Then she helped lead her team to gold in foil.
Noah Lyles - Track & Field - Gold
Noah Lyles won one of the most thrilling 100 meter races we’ve seen in a long time. He leaned in to take the gold by five thousandths of a second. You can’t get closer than that.
Fred Kerley - Track & Field - Bronze
When the ridiculously close finish of the men’s 100 meters race was finally sorted out, Fred Kerley picked up the bronze.
Simone Manuel - Swimming - Silver
Groundbreaking swimmer Simone Manuel returned for what could be her last Olympics to win silver in the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay and women’s 4x200m freestyle relay.
Frederick Richard - Gymnastics - Bronze
The U.S. men’s gymnastics team is often in the shadow of the women, but Frederick Richard helped give them their moment to shine with a team bronze.
Naya Tapper, Ariana Ramsey - Women’s Rugby - Bronze
In one of the most thrilling moments of the Games, the U.S. women’s rugby team won bronze with a last second score.
Jasmine Moore - Track & Field- Bronze
Jasmine Moore fought through tough, rainy conditions to take home bronze in women’s triple jump.
Kaylyn Brown, Bryce Deadmon, Shamier Little, Vernon Norwood - Track & Field - Silver
Team USA ran a spectacular 4x400m mixed relay, but they couldn’t quite hold off Netherlands powerhouse Femke Bol and took home silver.
Sha’Carri Richardson - Track & Field - Silver
The women’s 100 meters belonged to Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred, with superstar Sha’Carri Richardson winning silver.
Melissa Jefferson - Track & Field - Bronze
Melissa Jefferson shocked everyone with her emotional bronze medal win in the women’s 100 meters.
Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Cierra Burdick
The women’s 3x3 basketball team had a rough start, but they were able to rally back and take home bronze.
Straight From 
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