Spotlight on Black Excellence at the Summer Olympics

All eyes are on Paris and the 2024 Olympic Summer Games that showcase the best of the best in their respective sports. But it also highlights an important part of athletic competition: Black Excellence.?

Many of the athletes from around the world are POC, and many of the Black athletes representing western nations are part of the diaspora or immigrant community. The Black Excellence that these athletes showcase during competition is only some of the story. The far deeper narrative is what so many go through to make it to the Games, enduring sacrifices and hardships throughout their lives. Excellence is a part of that origin, a drive to the top.

Black American athletes in the Olympics are often considered the best in their sport (think Simone Biles, Noah Lyles, Lebron James). Everyone watching gymnastics knows Simone Biles, the American gymnast with seven (and counting) Olympic medals. But we should not overlook so many other Olympians of color from around the world. Making her Olympic debut is Kaylia Nemour, representing Algeria and eyeing to win the first gymnastic medal for an African nation.?

As we watch these athletes performing at their best, we are rooting for Black Excellence. When an athlete stands on the podium, receiving gold, silver, or bronze, it's easy to see how they embody excellence. But where excellence really shines is in the journey to get there.