Olympic Gold-Medalist Overcomes Rare Diagnosis | Simone Manuel: Head Above Water

The last few years for Simone Manuel have been pivotal. And while she’s on a significant global stage, still, very private.
Simone is so often a first, and an only. Her achievements are as big as the ceiling she’s shattered, which is to say, seemingly infinite. What’s possible for her in and outside of swim, even bigger than that.
Expectations for Tokyo 2020 were goalposts, constantly shifting, as Simone navigated a pandemic and a diagnosis of overtraining syndrome. She shouldered the weight of an entire community, as the nation reckoned with racism and racist systems that kept Black people from swim and so much more.
Simone stands as a pillar for excellence and progress and change, but with that comes expectations and the pressure to win. The 2020 Olympics didn’t see her compete at the level of expectation. And that’s just the beginning of the story.
TOGETHXR presents a short documentary that serves as a raw, honest exploration about what it means to be a first, to be an only - a glorious but often lonely journey for Simone Manuel as she looks towards the Paris 2024 Olympics, and begins a new chapter of competition at Arizona State University. Featuring interviews with Simone and her mother Sharron, as well as archival footage, candid verite and b-roll, this short doc isn’t just about Simone revealing herself to the world, truly, for the first time.
It’s not about getting something off her chest.
It’s about getting everything off her shoulders.
Special Thanks to Eichler Swim & Tennis Club located in Palo Alto, CA
eichlerclub.com/
Follow Simone on Instagram: / swimone
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ABOUT TOGETHXR
TOGETHXR is a new media and commerce company founded by four of the world's greatest professional athletes: Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim, Simone Manuel, and Sue Bird. With a focus on rich storytelling rooted in lifestyle and youth culture, TOGETHXR is an unapologetic platform where representation and equality is the norm.
Olympic Gold-Medalist Overcomes Rare Diagnosis | Simone Manuel: Head Above Water
• Olympic Gold-Medalist ...

[@neal6805]

*Honestly, Simone is the only reason why I’m watching the swimming events in the Olympics. Her historic win in the last Olympic Games made me so proud! She has some great parents!*

[@calicoesblue4703]

Facts💯💯💯

[@corriesmiley4315]

​@@calicoesblue4703😢

[@donnawaters5463]

This is why the term, “Black Girl Magic”! It’s not easy to be great while being Black and especially a Black woman. Thank you, Simone, for your strength, endurance and letting us in to your vulnerability. We appreciate your bravery in sharing your story, I pray that you have much happiness and success in whatever you choose to do.

[@chazmack418]

The one thing we as humans must learn, "shut out the noise." As a young black person, I went to integrated and segregated schools. I felt the need to be the smartest, but going to a predominately white school, I felt the need, not to be the best, but to perform at a level that would demonstrate blacks were as smart as any other group. But, throughout, I had to be reasonable and understand, it was not my duty as a black person to uphold a certain standard. Yet when you are the only one, one feels the duty to be the best and a responsibility to other blacks. I don't think whites feel that pressure "because their white." BRAVO SIMONE!

[@patriciasmith364]

Thank you for sharing your story. I am a Black mom, who is crying because of the trauma that you experienced, but we are rooting for you, whatever you decide to do from here on in. You are absolutely amazing!!❤

[@Eboli-dx5mq]

Sista, I AM so very, very, “EXTREMELY “ proud of you. Be happy, be loved, be at peace, BE BLESSED!🫶🏾

[@jewelpoole9191]

She is the reason why watched swimming trials, and Olympics.

[@crystalgreen9441]

I’m proud of you Simone and go bring home the gold medal 🥇

[@yasminm.1801]

can we just take some time to appreciate how nurturing and understanding her mother is ✨👏🏽

[@DinNDee]

The coach at Stanford should be ashamed of the lack of support given to one of their top athletes. However, as a black woman, I am not at all surprised at the lack of support and understanding she received because that is the norm and not the exception.

[@jeannebrooks6003]

I can’t speak en masse, but as a mother of children and grandchildren of color, I’m so proud of you, not only for your swimming accomplishments but also for your honesty and for speaking out about mental health for black athletes representing USA

[@shirleyvllj]

Simone Manuel, you make me continue to live happily as a proud Black African American woman in the US. We have endured so very much both from emotional and physical experiences. You and your parents make me proud to be Black. Thank you!

[@yjallen]

THIS!!

[@tararansom2750]

Same way they treated Biles

[@ileanahulme9254]

Simone you are beautiful, what people say doesn’t make who you are. Stay strong and have faith.👍

[@alfairefountaine4150]

Queen Simone you are Amazing. You have and continue to make us proud. Don’t think that you have to carry us, think about it as we are lifting you up. You are already a Winner and no one can erase that. See you in Paris. Peace and Blessings Queen Simone 🙌🏾

[@dawnfussell9240]

I cried.. Cause it pains me to see the hatred we should never have for another human being because of skin color. However, they are tears of joy as well seeing you and your family staying together through this trying time. All praises to God and keep letting God shine through because He will always truimph... God bless you!

[@lilactuliee6953]

People like that who spread hate just because of color are disgusting. It's too bad more women of color are simply not interested in the sport. We would probably shut it down. 😄

[@yvonneplant9434]

It's hard! No doubt about it. I spent most of my career in IT being a token woman of color. So I understand her. But she will make history. She already has. ❤

[@My3Sunzs]

Humans are GODs creation. The issues they have is with GOD.🙏✨

[@kejohnson123]

so grateful Simone shared her story with us

[@unomaazuah]

You are awesome Simone! Thank you 🙏🏾

[@TheRetroWoman80]

I feel you Simone. And this is why "strong" people usually keep their issues to themselves in the first place. The berating and dismissing would have any decent percent retreating within. People are so ignorant to real problems that others suffer in silence with.

[@musiclover7840]

When I was in college in the late '70's, it was called "failing adaptation". I had all the symptoms of Simone, but I couldn't tell my coach because she thought I wasn't training hard enough. I didn't realize what I experienced was something serious until years after I graduated. We didn't have the information nor the support services there are now. Had I knew then what I know now, I would've spoken up to someone.

[@TheRetroWoman80]

I'm sorry nobody was there for you like they should have been. Hugs💚💚

[@sknmwms6516]

You go SIMONE AND NEVER LOOK BACK SWIM ON!

[@berthasherman6929]

So proud of Simone. You would never know how dominant she is & has all of those accomplishments. She deserves the spotlight. We are here to support and lift her up. Stay strong Simone❤💜👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@turragorman59]

Incredible swimmer, incredible woman. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@paulahughes5486]

i love this piece and will never stop loving simone's story

[@candunc23]

Omg I wish I had seen this before my family, and I had the pleasure of meeting her. She's so humble and caring. Wow, you and your parents have the most beautiful souls we have ever felt. Thank you, Simone, we love you! Be selfish when you need to! God has a 7-year plan for you. Protect your spirit at all cost because you are a rare gem. Priceless❤

[@hillaryd.t.gillings8567]

I did not know she had gone through all of this. I had sensed it though, I am black. Keep up the good work!

[@trienasee2136]

I with team Simone. She has such a beautiful spirit. Love her supportive family as well. So sorry for her to feel alone on these teams. I wish the other girls could be more a receptive of her beautiful spirit.

[@tewfik8616]

When you comeback home with a bronze medal from the olympics and you still devastated then you know you're a true champion.

[@MarioGalit22]

Being an Olympic and World champion like Simone Manuel, brings the nation and its people on top of the world👍that money can't buy. Proud to have Simone Manuel as part of Team USA, I love to cheer for. Nice to see her again in pool🙂Go Simone...Go Team USA🇺🇸🇵🇭

[@sharonspencer8267]

I have been thinking about this sport and wandering why it has not been represented by the black community. It is fantastic to finally see a young black lady who has been swimming for a while and to know she has achieved in her own rights. Well done Simone,and a big thank you.❤❤

[@angelredou-breaker9753]

You are a phenomenal woman and have been very encouraging to my swimmer. Thank you for standing so graciously through adversity and leaning on your faith. You are appreciated.

[@lifehaznolimit]

I hate I had never even heard of her a d. All myself a well-rounded Sport follower. This broke my heart and inspired me at the same time.

[@jordyaaaa2990]

Same

[@daviabraxton3099]

Such a beautiful inspiration ❤young lady.

[@AmberU]

I’m rooting for her to make it back and succeed again !

[@ajustice822]

So glad I found this story. We fight on every hand. All the best to you Ms, Simone, 🎉❤

[@lanettabritt3778]

Simone you are awesome 👏🏾

[@CherrieMcKenzie]

Life is a lot about the hurdles you help yourself overcome as well as the realization of WHY you are doing what you do. Simone has realized that and is so lucky to have two great parents who were always there for her to lean on when the load got too heavy. Well done young lady, very well done!!

[@jlomax4403]

Thanks for sharing your story Simone! My daughter is about to turn 6 tomorrow and she watches your videos. She had questions about something’s you said. It was awesome watching my daughter trying to understand what your talking about. Keep inspiring! My daughter loves you! ❤️ 💕

[@renee6511]

We are so proud of you Simone. Most importantly just for being YOU❤🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@evondagibbs5733]

I'm glad you didn't give up!❤ Luv ya Simone! Look forward to see you in Paris! Go win the Gold!🏊

[@jameslawson2455]

And the sport loves you, Simone. This piece shows your loving family that has helped create you to be you. You are still a shining star. I love to see you happy again, and enjoying the sport.

[@jasoniyasara1149]

INSPIRATION!

[@Gloriaamaofahayah]

Bless you thank you for representing, it is a load but the Lord is your strength and sit in his love and allow time to heal the wounds of living in a wicked nation and the processes of overcoming the mountains to achieve your goal. Ahman

[@anitaedwards4967]

What a beautiful story about a beautiful woman. God Bless you Simon.

[@najjalawson5332]

I LOVE this. God bless you Simone ❤

[@Milden79]

She´s great!!

[@jamieledbetterlovern1325]

You are amazing and inspirational!

[@MyChannel-1999]

We love and proud of you.

[@danejohnson8430]

Stay strong. That’s what you did & continue to do. To me it’s a shame to say you’re the first African or the first black or the first whatever to say in a country that you represent. I say do you, no matter what, do you. set the example for others. A leader in the making is what you are and carry-on for others. Blessings God‘s blessings.

[@ronniejohnson196]

Totally Ditto That!!!!!

[@oyandakona5994]

❤️

[@lilacgreens-kh9jg]

It’s ok to say it, but a lot of times they focus on it for a good “story” and ignore the whole person who may also be a 1st in so many other ways. She isn’t just a great Black swimmer, she is Simone and is one of the best swimmers who has broken many records. I can see how it undermines your performance completely. I see it in students all the time who burn themselves out trying to live up to something someone has told them they are when they would probably be much better off without the distraction. I feel like the same phenomenon impacted Shacarri Richardson and Simone Biles.

[@cath1409]

thank you for sharing simone’s story 💙

[@marcianlewis]

You make us proud. 😊

[@monicalawal5236]

Simone so glad to hear your story and to tell you I have been a fan from the beginning, hold your head up High because you are awesome and extremely talented, often as black people we have to always prove our selves worthy to be a part of something. You have done that. Keep going.

[@hattiewhitfield2629]

❤❤❤Find the JOY Simone find the Joy!

[@thornewaugh1503]

Continue to extend your reach!!!!!

[@marciasteele8230]

You inspire! You are amazing and humble. Swimming for me is life!

[@johnanguyen1]

Great video!!! Beautiful family! Keep swimming!

[@drpepperr]

Swimming was a big part of my young life. Simone Manuel's story was a curiosity to me. Thank you for this revealing piece. Opportunity and a platform to inspire, Simone? You're inspiring me!

[@Ddal0ceano]

Love her acknowledging her accomplishments.

[@margarethaschenkers7052]

Simone Manuel and Simone Biles, we are proud of our black girls.

[@carolynl.crudup9103]

Beautiful Champion inside and out respect and thanks. She's a phonemal barrier breaker and why I watch and follow swimming looking for her. Praying giving thanks for her and her parents faith and class. Blessings and hope ❤❤❤'s goodness and mercy following.

[@eddedream8586]

So brave what a warrior 💪🏽 perseverance and self care is crucial 🎯🥳💪🏽

[@sdavis6438]

Enjoyed the piece and love you SImone 😍. Will continue to and look forward to watching you grow and prosper.

[@larryjohnson1191]

What you have already accomplished is quite amazing, Appreciate you! I do! Congratulations!

[@francesdelrosario1193]

I enjoyed this story. Simon you are awesome.

[@sisterbrothers1677]

Weird in a karmic way, Manuel won the Olympics AND World Championships despite not being the favorite. She always had a beautiful smooth stroke. I think the Stanford girls are generally too intense, they seem merely satisfied with achieving goals, not joyous.

[@monicawest4000]

I'm extremely happy for you! Please continue to be the awesome young lady you are!! 😊❤

[@virgobutterfly1680]

I will be watching Simone in #Paris! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@shelleystrong8673]

Hard to watch. Too painful. Too familiar (in every career path). Working twice as hard as colleagues to be considered as competent. Just be the queen that you are when you walk in the room. You’re not alone Simone.

[@daviabraxton3099]

Love you. Simone ❤you are 👏amazing You inspired me❤😂😊

[@JoseyTurn17]

We are not unique, but wonderfully made in the image of God by His Hands. As He was so are we to be. Joyful 🥰

[@calicoesblue4703]

Amen🙏💯💯💯

[@georgenabulele]

WOW, What an inspiring story. CONGRATULATIONS to you for all that you have accomplished.

[@williamokuda8882]

A very talented beautiful woman.

[@anger101]

incredible.

[@k.celeste1301]

Thank you, Simone! You are much appreciated by many.

[@casapinka9715]

Swim for the joy!

[@seedsowlife]

Simone Manuel, a beautiful and extremely talented athlete, elite swimmer extraordinaire. You own this Olympics 2024! So, Be at Peace!

[@jedfrassica7932]

Great video

[@lackerman3975]

Her coach gave her bad advice. She should have listened to her body and the results in her training...slower time 😢 . That said...thank you Simone for sharing your story because other young black female athletes can listen and learn from your experience. Keep your head up love and enjoy your accomplishments in the knowledge that you have overcome incredibly hard odds.❤

[@alexiscarothers6377]

It's just something about that name "Simone" 2 amazing women smashing their sports,trail blazing,not just for females but African American females--fussing up to over trying and twisties--just soul tired as one Mama would say yet being amazing and brave enough to speak out about physical and mental ateuggles--especially in a community where mental health is not "talked about"--just extraordinary there's just something powerful about that name💯💪🏽👊🏽👏🏽❤

[@FoodNerds]

Congratulations on all your victories.

[@AminahImani]

that was beautiful!

[@defneyil_]

She is my hero 💙

[@pam18ram]

Thanks for sharing your story. You are a champion not only in the pool, but in life!👏👏👏

[@deebryant1666]

CONGRATULATIONS BEAUTIFUL 😍 🎉❤

[@charmainewalker8627]

I hope she fired her coach

[@dvrjang]

youre awesome!! win or lose competing or not.....youre awesome

[@angrycannibal6625]

We send you clouds to lift you up. Take care of self first!

[@2listening1]

💛

[@may_laytrucker3127]

Forget everything and go on with your life Simone, you won another clutch 50 2024 going to Paris,I'm sure you still are favorite.!

[@TheSurvivor24]

Beautiful 🔥🔥

[@rudolfplein]

Nice story Simone❤

[@MelodiesOfMamaAfrica]

Hated by some for no other reason but her color. Wonder how it would have been celebrated had Weitzel won gold in 100 free.

[@alisonwilks302]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Hello_BeautifulPeople]

It starts at home, establish an open communication relationship with your children early, she's been carrying a heavy load since a child, no child should go thru that

[@ronaldareyes9899]

👌

[@msceepia]

How many others have had the same or similar experiences? I would like to hear more of their stories.

[@The_Goddess_Marian]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@CatLover-rg2oj]

It's hard being black and gifted.

[@jackraglin5526]

This is an inspiring story and important video. But overtraining syndrome is not a rare condition and research that I have been involved with shows that it affects up to 1/3 of young competitive athletes and up to 2/3 of elite athletes such as Simone at some points in their careers.

[@yvettesmith4991]

American to me is just wicked, as long as we are giving 100% they love you! if not, we are lazy but we can never be sick ever. But those complaining cannot bust a grape🤔 that’s a wicked person, period.

[@bluebarry44]

Perhaps Simone INADVERTANTLY tore down everything around her. I am sure this would never be a conscious endeavor, but if the results are positive... In the end I believe that a happy person is a true success. I hope Simone is happy and gets to enjoy swimming without pressure. If not, fuck it, as long as she lives a happy, joyful life. She shall always be a champion!

[@lady33357]

You know your body better than anyone else. I hope she got rid of that trainer

[@floralizo4147]

hi