Black Women Shatter More Glass Ceilings in Sports
Black women were the highlight of the 2021 ESPYs. From tennis to gymnastics to wrestling, Black women prove that they are not letting up.
Naomi Osaka Back in The Spotlight
Naomi Osaka, a four-time grand slam champion, chose to step away from public communication.
In fact, Osaka withdrew from the French Open in May and opted not to compete in Wimbledon. She was vulnerable in her expression of mental health issues including anxiety and depression.
As the best athlete in women’s sports, Osaka made a brief acceptance speech.
“I don’t want to give a long speech because I’m a bit nervous.”Osaka said as she accepted her award on Saturday. “This year has been a really, it hasn’t even finished, but it’s been really tough for a lot of us. For me, I just want to say I really love you guys.
Black Women Snag Top Awards
In addition to tennis star Naomi Osaka’s award, several other talented Black women were celebrated for their successes. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles won best championship performance, WNBA star Maya Moore took home the Arthur Ashe Courage Award, and pro wrestlers Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair took home the award for best WWE moment.
Belair commented on the Black women duo’s accomplishment.
“I’m just so blessed and so honored to be the woman in this position to portray this diversity and this representation,” Belair said on the duo’s behalf. “I always say that representation is not a request, it’s a requirement, and that’s what we did at Wrestlemania.”
Words As a Sport
Zaila Avant-garde attended the ESPYs after becoming the first Black student to win the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee. As a spelling bee sensation, the young Black queen adds to her repertoire of impressive skills. Avant-garde is in the Guinness Book of World Records for her basketball skills too.
ESPYs host Anthony Mackie shouted out track star Sha’Carri Richardson. She made her first public appearance since being controversially banned from the Tokyo Olympics. Unfortunately, her chances at showcasing her talent on the world stage due to a choice made during a tough time in her life.
Hats off to the ESPYs for highlighting Black female athletes for the mark they have made in their respective sports.
