Two Black Swimmers Make Olympic History, Fans Forced to Defend Them Against Racist Trolls

Last Friday, two Black Stanford University student swimmers made it through the Olympic trials in Omaha, Nebraska, making it the first time two Black women will represent the U.S. in swimming.

Swimmers Simone Manuel, 19, and Lia Neal, 21, were placed in the center of racist hyperbole and ridicule when Yahoo announced the  news in the segment above.

The two were announced members of the Olympic team after Manuel came in second in the 100-meter freestyle relay on Friday. Her counterpart, Neal, heard the news after she finished fourth in the 100.

Trolls accused Yahoo Sports of showing favoritism and adding to the racial divide in the country. Here are some of those comments below:

 

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