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Get It, Girl: Here's Why Simone Manuel's Second Gold Medal Is As Historic As Her First

The Olympic swimmer helped Team USA reach a profound new record.

The 2016 Olympic games has been an incredible ride for many athletes, but few have had more success, and have inspired more people than Team USA swimmer Simone Manuel.

Manuel made history by becoming the first Black woman to win an individual swimming gold medal in the 100-meter, and then added to her list with two silvers in the 50m and 4X100m relay before winning her second gold in the women's 4X100m medley relay. That last medal gave Manuel her second shot at making history, being that it's the United States' 1,000th all-time gold. 

After her first win, Manuel had some inspirational words for all of those who have helped push her to greatness: "This medal is not just for me. It's for a whole bunch of people that came before me and have been an inspiration to me. And it's for all the people after me, who believe they can't do it."

The 1,000 American gold medals is an incredible success that Manuel helped play an integral role in achieving. In a statement, US Olympic Committee CEO Scott Blackmun said, "One thousand gold medals is a remarkable achievement made possible by the culture of sport that is the fabric and foundation of Team USA." Adding, "It is a testament first and foremost to our athletes, but it also reveals the impact of the support provided by our National Governing Bodies, our sponsors and donors, and American fans. This is an accomplishment we celebrate together." 

Many have taken to Twitter to celebrate the historic gold medals, including Simone herself.

It's an incredible feat for Manuel and the USA, and while her 2016 Olympic journey has come to an incredibly successful end we can be sure that it won't be her last. At only 20 years of age we could be seeing the rise of another dominant U.S. Olympic athlete. 

The United States will look to continue its historic dominance in the Olympics as Track and Field, basketball, and other fan favorites edge closer to crowning their Olympic champions as well.

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