Take boxer Claressa Shields, who made history by becoming the first American and the first woman to ever win a gold in the ring. Or Gabby Douglas, who became the first African-American gymnast to win gold in the women’s all-around final competition. From Serena and Venus Williams’ total dominance on the court to the adrenaline-inducing sprints of Sanya Richards-Ross, Allyson Felix and Carmelita Jeter, it was triumph all around for Team USA!
ESSENCE takes a moment to salute the African-American athletes who participated in the London Games and showed us that gold, silver and bronze are the new Black.