Simone Manuel has made waves in the world of swimming.
She’s an inspiration and a beacon of excellence.
Let’s take a closer look at her amazing journey, from her impressive medal haul to her personal life.
Key Highlights of Simone Manuel’s Inspirational Career
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Olympic Medals | 2016 Rio: 2 gold, 2 silver; 2020 Tokyo: 1 bronze |
| World Championship Medals | 11 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze; 2019 Worlds: 7 medals (4 gold, 3 silver) |
| Notable Achievements | First Black American woman to win an individual Olympic gold (2016) |
| NCAA Championships | Six-time champion; Team titles in 2017, 2018 |
| Records | Three world relay records; First woman under 46 seconds in 100-yard freestyle |
| Best Times | 50m freestyle: 24.07s; 100m freestyle: 51.69s |
| 2024 Olympic Trials | Won 50m freestyle in 24.13s |
| Current Coach | Bob Bowman (Arizona State University) |
| Challenges | Overtraining, pandemic disruptions, racial issues, high expectations |
| Diet | Avocado toast with eggs, Cajun shrimp pasta |
| College | Stanford University |
| Childhood | Started swimming at 4; Competitive at 11 |
| Net Worth (2024) | $3 million |
| Family | Parents: Sharron, Marc; Siblings: Chris, Ryan |
| Marital Status | Married to Denzel Franklin |
How Many Medals Does Simone Manuel Have?
Simone Manuel’s medal collection is quite impressive:
Olympic Medals
- 2016 Rio Olympics: 2 gold (100m freestyle, 4x100m medley relay) and 2 silver (50m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle relay)
- 2020 Tokyo Olympics: 1 bronze (4x100m freestyle relay)
World Championship Medals
- Total of 16 medals: 11 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze
- Notable Achievement: At the 2019 World Championships, Manuel won 7 medals (4 gold and 3 silver), setting a record for the most medals won by a female swimmer at a single World Championships
So, Simone Manuel has at least 21 medals from major international competitions, not counting her NCAA championships and other national wins.
“Winning those medals wasn’t just for me. It was for my family, my coaches, and everyone who believed in me. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication we all put in,” Manuel said in an interview with ESPN.
Simone Manuel’s Career Stats
Olympic Medals
- 2 gold medals (100m freestyle, 4x100m medley relay) at the 2016 Rio Olympics
- 2 silver medals (50m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle relay) at the 2016 Rio Olympics
- 1 bronze medal (4x100m freestyle relay) at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
World Championships
- 11 gold medals
- 3 silver medals
- 2 bronze medals
Notable Achievements
- First Black American woman to win an individual Olympic gold medal in swimming (100m freestyle in 2016)
- Set an Olympic record in the 100m freestyle with a time of 52.70 seconds in 2016
- First female American swimmer to win both 50m and 100m freestyle gold medals at a single World Championships (2019)
- Set a record for most medals won by a female swimmer at a single World Championships with 7 medals in 2019
NCAA Championships
- Six-time individual NCAA champion (50-yard and 100-yard freestyle in 2015, 2017, and 2018)
- Helped Stanford win NCAA team championships in 2017 and 2018
Records
- Holds three world records as a member of relay teams
- First woman to swim under 46 seconds in the 100-yard freestyle
Career Best Times
- 50m freestyle (short course): 24.07 seconds
- 100m freestyle (short course): 51.69 seconds
Also Read: Will Anna Hall Make It to the 2024 Olympics? Her Trials, Records, and Personal Life
How Did Simone Manuel Perform in the Olympic Trials 2024?
Simone Manuel shined at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials.
She won the women’s 50m freestyle with a time of 24.13 seconds, securing her spot in the Paris Olympics.
This was her fastest time since the 2019 World Championships, placing her 8th in the world for the season.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated after her victory at the trials, Manuel shared, “It felt incredible to touch the wall and see my time. It’s been a tough journey, but moments like these make it all worth it.”
Who is Simone Manuel’s Coach?
Simone Manuel’s current coach is Bob Bowman, who also coached Michael Phelps.
Manuel moved to Arizona to train with Bowman, the head coach at Arizona State University.
She sometimes works with associate head coaches Rachel Stratton-Mills and Herbie Behm, the team’s sprint coach.
This coaching change, part of her “Swimone 2.0” plan, has helped her career, especially as she secured a spot for the Paris Olympics.
Challenges Simone Manuel Has Faced
Simone Manuel has faced many challenges in her swimming career:
Overtraining Syndrome
In 2021, Manuel was diagnosed with overtraining syndrome.
This caused excessive fatigue, a high heart rate, and depression.
It affected her performance leading up to the Tokyo Olympics.
Pandemic-Related Training Disruptions
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Manuel’s training.
She had to train in a backyard pool for much of 2020 due to strict restrictions in Northern California.
Racial Issues and Mental Strain
As a Black athlete, Manuel was affected by racial tensions and police violence against Black people in the summer of 2020. These events took an emotional toll on her.
Recovery and Comeback
After the Tokyo Olympics, Manuel took a break to heal from overtraining syndrome. She gradually increased her training and adapted to a new environment in Arizona.
Pressure of High Expectations
As an Olympic gold medalist and world record holder, Manuel has dealt with the pressure of maintaining top performance.
Representation
As the first Black American woman to win an individual Olympic gold medal in swimming, Manuel carries the responsibility of being a trailblazer and role model in a sport where Black athletes are historically underrepresented.
Despite these challenges, Manuel has shown resilience and determination. She’s still competing at a high level and aiming for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Reflecting on her journey, Manuel told The New York Times, “Every challenge has made me stronger. I hope my story can inspire others to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.”
What is Simone Manuel’s Diet?
Simone Manuel’s diet is packed with nutritious foods that support her training and performance:
Breakfast
She enjoys a protein and healthy fat-packed breakfast, with her favorite being avocado toast with over-medium eggs.
Favorite Dish
One of her favorite dishes is a Cajun shrimp pasta, a recipe shared by her mother.
It’s creamy, decadent, and flavorful, reflecting her family’s New Orleans roots.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Manuel adapted her diet to stay healthy and perform well, though specific details of this diet weren’t provided.
Where Did Simone Manuel Swim in College?
Simone Manuel swam for Stanford University from 2014 to 2018, graduating in 2019.
She was a six-time individual NCAA champion and helped Stanford win NCAA team championships in 2017 and 2018.
Manuel set several NCAA records, including becoming the first woman to swim under 46 seconds in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 45.56 seconds.
She was named the Pac-12 Swimmer of the Year and was a Honda Award nominee during her time at Stanford.
What Was Simone Manuel’s Childhood Like?
Simone Manuel’s childhood was full of early exposure to swimming and support from her athletic family:
Early Start in Swimming
Manuel began swimming at 4 when her parents enrolled her in lessons.
By the second day, she swam across a 15-meter pool, showing her natural talent.
Athletic Family
She grew up in Sugar Land, Texas, in an athletic household. Her parents, Marc and Sharron Manuel, were former student-athletes. Her two older brothers, Chris and Ryan, played college basketball.
Initial Challenges
At around 10, Manuel thought about quitting swimming to take dance classes. Her mother convinced her to stick with both activities.
Joining Competitive Swimming
At 11, Manuel joined the First Colony Swim Team in Houston, coached by Allison Beebe.
She quickly became a top-ranked swimmer in her age group for the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle events.
Early Achievements
Manuel’s talent was evident early on. By age 12, she was setting records.
She made her international debut at the 2011 FINA World Junior Championships and continued to excel in various competitions throughout her teenage years.
What is Simone Manuel’s Net Worth in 2024?
Simone Manuel’s net worth in 2024 is estimated to be $3 million.
This figure is consistently reported across multiple sources, including Celebrity Net Worth and sports news outlets.
It’s worth noting that net worth estimates can vary and may not always be completely up-to-date, but $3 million appears to be the most widely reported figure for Simone Manuel’s current net worth.
Who Are Simone Manuel’s Family Members?
Simone Manuel’s family members include:
Parents
- Sharron Manuel: A pharmacist and former NCAA athlete.
- Marc Manuel: A business analyst for Shell and former collegiate basketball player at Xavier University.
Siblings
- Chris Manuel: An NCAA basketball player.
- Ryan Manuel: An NCAA basketball player.
Simone Manuel’s family has been a significant source of support throughout her swimming career, contributing to her success and resilience.
Is Simone Manuel Married? If So, Who is Her Husband?
Simone Manuel is married to Denzel Franklin.
The couple met while they were both student-athletes at Stanford University, where Franklin played football.
They got engaged in July 2022 and were married in December 2023.
Conclusion
Simone Manuel’s journey in swimming is truly inspirational.
From her early days in Sugar Land, Texas, to becoming an Olympic gold medalist and world record holder, she’s shown incredible resilience and determination.
Despite facing many challenges, Manuel continues to excel and inspire future generations.
As she prepares for the Paris Olympics, her story remains a testament to the power of perseverance and passion.
FAQs
Did Simone Manuel win the 50m freestyle?
Yes, Simone Manuel claimed victory in the women’s 50-meter freestyle at the US Olympic swimming trials.
What is Simone’s best time in the 50-meter freestyle?
Simone’s best time in the 50-meter freestyle is 24.13 seconds, which she achieved at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials in Indianapolis.
Has Manuel qualified for the Paris Olympics?
Yes, she has already earned a spot as a relay swimmer and will also contest an individual event at her third Games.
Did Simone Manuel struggle with overtraining syndrome?
Yes, she experienced increased heart rate, insomnia, depression, and anxiety, and her performances deteriorated ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.
How tall is Simone Manuel and what does she weigh?
Simone Manuel stands 5’11” (1.78 m) tall and weighs 148 lbs (67 kg).
When was Simone born and how old is she?
Born on August 2, 1996, Simone is 27 years old.
Where is Simone Manuel from?
Simone Manuel hails from Sugar Land, Texas.
What is Simone’s background?
Simone made history as the first Black woman to win an individual Olympic gold medal in swimming for Team USA.
Which high school did Simone go to?
Simone went to Fort Bend Austin High School in Sugar Land, Texas.
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