Making history during the 2016 Rio Olympics isn’t the only way that Michelle Carter is trying to leave her mark on the world. The 31-year-old two-time Olympian became the first American to win a gold medal in shot put. Now, the Texas- native has become a body positive icon for young girls nationwide. As the daughter of legendary shot-putter Michael Carter — who went on become a professional football player — this Texas-native is determined to make a difference. Here’s how the certified professional make-up artist is sprinkling her #BlackGirlMagic one day at a time. Full Name: Michelle Carter
Age: 31
Title/Company: Athlete/Professional Make-up Artist (Founder of Shot Divas)
Location: Dallas, Texas
Hometown: Red Oak, Texas
Social Media: @shotdivaHer Definition Of Black Girl Magic: Black Girl Magic means that I have the power to overcome anything. Especially when we’re in a world where you’re told that you can’t do something or you’re less than, I’m reminded that my ancestors have overcome so much. There’s still so much work to be done, and I have the power to overcome it.
Becoming A Certified Make-Up Artist: I started in 2008 after a friend encouraged me to take classes and do it for other people. Right now, I really don’t get to do it much as I’d like to since the athlete part of my life definitely takes over everything. When I do, though, I really enjoy it. When I have the time, I want my clients to have the best experience possible.
Living With Hypothyroidism (A deficiency of thyroid hormones, which can disrupt things like heart rate and body temperature): It’s a day-by-day process, even still. It’s not something that will ever go away, you just learn how to manage it and deal with it. My body has changed so much and now we really are honing in on what I’m eating. I’ve found out that a lot of foods are irritating my body so now it’s just learning how to live a different lifestyle.
The Olympians She Admires Most: Serena Williams, Lex Gillette and Allyson Felix.
Advice For Young Black Female Athletes: Just go for it. Do it. Don’t be afraid to try new things, because I just tried shot put not knowing my family history behind it, and trying it led me to the rest of my life. You never know – what’s not the most popular or what no one else is doing might be the best for you, so you should just try it.
Preparing For The 2020 Olympics: I do plan on competing in Tokyo 2020 but right now, I’m just focused on each year as it comes by staying in shape and staying as healthy as possible. Up next, I’m getting ready for USATF Outdoors in June and World Championships this summer.
How She Manages Stress: Watching TV and getting caught up on all things Shonda. I also watch Jane the Virgin, a little bit of everything.
Greatest Memory From Making History During The 2016 Rio Olympics: My greatest memory from Rio was when the competition was over, looking over at my dad [who is also my coach] and seeing him look at me and we were both thinking, “Wow, this finally happened.” We knew it would happen someday, it was just a matter of when.
Her Superpower: My faith. It has definitely been strengthened over the years, and if it wasn’t for my faith, during the last Olympic year I probably wouldn’t have thought it was possible to come back from a herniated disc in the middle of the season.
Her Theme Song: Tye Tribbett – Work It Out
