What it means to be a Black Olympian representing the U.S. on the global stage

At the Olympic Games this summer, Black athletes will take to the world stage in Paris outfitted in red, white and blue, representing the United States with stars and stripes stamped across their uniforms.

At the Olympic Games this summer, Black athletes will take to the world stage in Paris outfitted in red, white and blue, representing the United States with stars and stripes stamped across their uniforms.

Black athletes will be some of the most high-profile Olympians at the Paris Summer Games. Simone Biles will be making her highly awaited return to the mat, LeBron James will carry the American flag at the opening ceremony Friday, and track star Noah Lyles will set his sights on overtaking Usain Bolt’s gold medal records.

On the road to the Paris Games, Black Olympians spoke with NBC News about the special obligations of Black athletes representing the United States and stepping up as role models. 

Crystal Dunn says she thinks her team is in a good position to succeed at this year's games.Carmen Mandato / Getty Images for USSF fileWhen Crystal Dunn steps onto the field as the veteran defender on the U.S. women’s national soccer team, she’s not just playing for herself, she said.  

“The way that I choose to carry myself in every game, and every moment on the field, I feel like I know I’m not just playing for just me, I’m playing for girls that look like me, and maybe for girls who are fearful of staying in the sport because they don’t feel like they’re welcomed,” Dunn told NBC News in April.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/means-black-olympian-representing-us-global-stage-rcna158890

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