From tennis to track to bobsled, black women Olympians have been breaking records–and barriers.
At this year's summer Olympics in Rio, Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas are poised to serve up some serious competition in gymnastics. Lia Neal and Simone Manuel are making history as the first black women duo on the Olympic swim team. Venus and Serena need no introduction (or last name).
They are shining stars in a world that doesn't often shout out black women's achievements. But we been here, showing up and showing out.
Here's just a handful of the black American women who have competed at the Olympics throughout history, kicking ass and taking names the whole time.
Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
Alice Coachman
Pictured here on the winner's section of the Olympic podium at Wembley Stadium in the United Kingdom, Alice Coachman was the first black woman to win an Olympic gold medal. On August 7, 1948, the track and field athlete earned the gold for winning the women's high jump.
/ AP
Wilma Rudolph
Wilma Rudolph, once referred to as the "Fastest Woman In The World," became the first woman to win three track and field gold medals in one Olympics. During the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, she won gold medals for the 100-meter and 200-meter sprints–and brought the US a gold for the 4×100-meter relay.
AP
Willye White
Willye White was the first-ever 5-time US track Olympian. She competed in every single Olympics between 1956 and 1972, winning a silver medal for the long-jump in 1956 and another silver in 1964 for the 4×100-meter relay.
AP
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