From Phenoms to Medal Favorites, Meet 26 Women Athletes Ready to Shine at the Olympics

Sport: Swimming
Country: USA

Simone Manuel won a groundbreaking gold medal in 2016 and became a voice for Black representation and excellence in swimming. At the Olympic Trials, Manuel suffered a surprise loss in the 100-meter freestyle (the race she won in 2016), later revealing she had recently suffered from a bout of overtraining syndrome that required her to take three full weeks off. A few days later, Manuel secured her 2021 Olympic berth with a gritty and emotional victory in the 50-meter freestyle, her silver-medal event in Rio. Manuel is known for doing big things on the biggest stages, so you don't want to miss her in Tokyo.