At the Paris 2024 Olympics, several Black female athletes delivered outstanding performances that brought glory to their respective countries and made history.
Here’s a look at the trailblazing women who left an indelible mark on the Games:
Julien Alfred – Saint Lucia
Julien Alfred made history by winning the first-ever Olympic medal for Saint Lucia. She captured gold, putting her country on the Olympic map and showcasing her incredible talent on the global stage.
Sha’Carri Richardson – United States
The iconic track star Sha’Carri Richardson clinched the silver medal in the women’s 100-meter race for Team USA. Her electrifying performance solidified her status as a legendary figure in the sport.
Thea Lafond – Dominica
Thea Lafond secured gold in the women’s triple jump, earning the first Olympic medal for Dominica. Her achievement was a historic moment for the nation, highlighting her exceptional athletic prowess.
Rebeca Andrade – Brazil
Rebeca Andrade made history by becoming the most decorated Brazilian athlete in Olympic history. She won a gold medal in the women’s floor exercise, adding to her impressive collection of accolades.
Simone Biles – United States
Simone Biles continued to etch her name in the annals of gymnastics history. Her silver medal in the floor exercise final brought her total to 11 Olympic medals, tying her with Vera Caslavska of Czechoslovakia for the second-most decorated female gymnast in history.
Biles also made history by winning her second gold medal in the individual all-around event at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Lauren Scruggs – USA
In a historic move for USA Fencing, Queens’ own Lauren Scruggs earned a silver medal in the all-American foil fencing final at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She faced off against fellow American Lee Kiefer, who triumphed with a 15-6 victory at the Grand Palais, securing her second consecutive Olympic gold following her win at the Tokyo 2021 Games.
Scruggs, a 21-year-old Ozone Park resident and Harvard University student reached the final in what has been
These athletes not only excelled in their respective disciplines but also broke barriers and set new standards of excellence. Their achievements are a testament to the power, resilience, and talent of Black women in sports.
