Simone Biles and Simone Manuel are inspiring a new generation of athletes
Dmitri Lovetsky/AP
#TeamUSA has a lot to be excited about after Thursday's showing at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Simone Biles took home the gold in the individual all-around gymnastics competition. And Simone Manuel became the first black woman to win a gold medal in an individual swimming event.
But a special group of people are truly celebrating their epic wins in the most adorable way ever: black children.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/764070157538820096
#RepresentationMatters Thanks for reminding us that TV is POWERFUL @Alexiaa_Minaj @milas_universe @Laylas_Mommy_13 pic.twitter.com/V4H6Z7pGPy
On the left, a young gymnast balances herself on what looks to be a broken broom handle as Biles watches from the television screen.
On the bottom right, there's Layla, from Fort Worth, Texas, who proudly stands in front of her television holding the No. 1 in the air. Her mother, Nett, posted the picture on Twitter after Manuel's historic win, and it has since gone viral.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/763940951807041538
My little swimmer says, "I Got Next!" @simone_manuel #SimoneManuel #Swimming #History #TeamUsA pic.twitter.com/xjeRABQ1fZ
These images illustrates just how much representation matters when it comes to seeing people who look like you make monumental accomplishments.
From the looks of this video that Layla's mom posted on Twitter on Friday morning, she's well on her way to greatness.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/764085266294247426
Thank you for all of your love! She's got next! #Swimming #TeamUSA #SimoneManuel @simone_manuel @USASwimming pic.twitter.com/jLU5rAnBbs
Perhaps we've just been introduced to two members of #TeamUSA in the 2032 Olympics.