🏊🏾‍♀️ Women, Water Sports, and World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day is an annual international celebration and a United Nations-designated observance that raises awareness about the vital importance of our oceans and the role they play in sustaining life on Earth. This celebration is particularly relevant to our focus on diversity in water sports, as it emphasizes the universal importance of water and our shared responsibility to protect marine environments while making them accessible to all communities.

The history of Black women in competitive swimming is marked by both struggle and triumph. From segregated pools to Olympic podiums, women athletes have persistently challenged stereotypes and created new opportunities. Maritza Correia McClendon made history as the first African American woman to make the U.S. Olympic swim team and win an Olympic medal. Simone Manuel's gold medal performance at the 2016 Olympics marked another watershed moment, inspiring countless young swimmers. Simone is also one of the co-founders of Togethxr, which produced this incredible short film about her road to the 2024 Paris Olympics (16 minutes that will get you so pumped to conquer anything and everything this week).

Swimming and protecting our oceans isn’t just for the pros. Howard University stands as a beacon of excellence in collegiate swimming, holding the distinction of being the only HBCU with an NCAA Division I swimming and diving program. Their remarkable achievements include winning multiple conference championships, most recently securing their second title in three years. This success story extends beyond competition, as Howard's program has become a catalyst for increasing diversity in collegiate swimming. Meanwhile, other HBCUs like Spelman College are making waves with new initiatives, such as their Jaguars Swim Club, creating additional pathways for Black women in competitive swimming.

Beyond competition, many of these athletes have become powerful advocates for ocean conservation and environmental justice. They understand that communities of color often bear the brunt of environmental degradation and limited access to clean waterways. Their advocacy work combines athletic achievement with environmental stewardship.

The journey hasn't been easy. Many athletes face multiple challenges, from limited access to facilities to the lack of representation in coaching and leadership positions. However, organizations and programs specifically designed to support women of color in aquatic sports are making a difference. The future of water sports is becoming more inclusive, thanks to these pioneering athletes and advocates. Their success is creating a ripple effect, encouraging more young women of color to explore aquatic sports and pursue their dreams in the water. If you’d like to get outside or in the pool, here are a few community organizations to check out:

• Black Girls Do Swim

• Outdoor Afro, Maving Waves Program

• Black People Will Swim

The future of water sports is becoming more inclusive, thanks to these pioneering athletes and advocates. Their success is creating a ripple effect, encouraging more young women of color to explore aquatic sports and pursue their dreams in the water. This World Oceans Day, let's celebrate these remarkable athletes while acknowledging the work still needed to make water sports truly accessible to all. Whether through supporting local programs, mentoring young athletes, or advocating for better facilities in underserved communities, everyone can play a role in creating a more inclusive future in aquatic sports.

P.S. On Wednesday, we’ll be talking about the champion heard around the world, Coco Gauff.