Based on the number of African Americans who show up and show out at the Olympics, today’s youngsters might think this has always been a venue for blacks. But showing out and winning Olympic medals require event attendance, participation, and stellar performances.
There’s no doubt that talent, skill, and panache were never the problems.
But there was a time the opportunity and privilege to participate in the Olympic games were denied to blacks in America and other countries. It is no surprise that racism and other discriminations existed in the Olympics, which modeled society’s stereotypes during the period of black exclusion.
What genius presumed blacks were inferior athletes and managed to convince the world?
It’s not necessary to answer the question. Maybe this person never knew what one person can do, another individual, regardless of race, may do better.
The first international Olympic Games in modern history was the Summer Olympics of 1896, which was held in Athens, Greece. America boasted of 14 competitors who won 20 medals in three sports.
That brings me to today’s information about several standouts and history-making black Olympians.
When I hear or read the words’ first black’ relative to an Olympic achievement, my ears perk up.
Did you know the Olympics’ first black athlete was Constantin Henriquez de Zubiera? This name neither looks nor sounds American.
Zubiera was a Haitian-born French rugby player. He was a member of the French rugby team that competed in the 1900 Olympics. That year marked the inaugural rugby games with three countries competing: France, Germany, and Great Britain.
The French rugby team won the tournament and received the gold medal. And Constantin Henriquez became the first black athlete to win a gold medal at the Olympics. That year, he also won the silver medal in the tug of war competition. He was also the first African-Caribbean Olympic champion.
But who was the first African American to win an Olympic medal?
George Coleman Poage accomplished that feat. Poage, the first black American to win an Olympic medal, won 2 bronze medals at the 1904 games in St Louis. He was a track and field athlete who won in the 200 and 400-meter hurdles.
Who was the first African American to win the coveted gold Olympic medal on the world stage?
That would be John Baxter Taylor of Washington, D. C. In the 1908 London Olympics, Taylor competed in the 1600-meter relay and helped the U.S. to win the race.
It was several decades later before an African American female won a medal in the Olympic games.
Alice Coachman was the first black female athlete to win an Olympic medal. Coachman was from Albany, Georgia. In the 1948 London Olympics, she high jumped a record of 5 feet, 6 1/8 inches to win the gold medal.
Blacks and African Americans have overcome many obstacles to be on the prestigious and best-of-the-best Olympic stage. And racism was one of the biggest hurdles to contend with.
Today, we celebrate and honor hundreds of black Olympians (males and females), especially in America, who prove and showcase their God-given athletic talents and skills. They are great Olympians.
Be safe.