African American Olympians

Did you know that February is Black History Month? Each year during this month we remember the lives and contributions of African Americans. Some have been politicians and business leaders. Others have been educators and community leaders. Some have also been athletes in the summer and winter Olympic Games. Through their participation and successes, these athletes have created new opportunities for other African Americans.

Eight years after the Olympics started, George Poage became the first African American to compete in the Games. Poage was a member of the track and field team in the 1904 summer Olympics. He won two bronze medals. This achievement made him the first African American to medal at the Games. An achievement is a success that someone has.

Other African American athletes have followed in Poage’s footsteps. One of the best known was Jesse Owens. Like Poage, Owens ran track and field. During the 1936 summer Olympics, Owens won four gold medals for the United States. In each race, he either tied or set a new record.

Jesse Owens runs in the 200 meter race

African Americans have had achievements at the winter Olympics too. Figure skater Debi Thomas won the first medal, a bronze, for an African American at the 1988 winter Games. In 2002, Vonetta Flowers became the first African American to win a gold medal at a winter Olympics. She and her teammate won the bobsled event. Speed skater Shani Davis, who won a gold medal at the last winter Olympics, will be trying to repeat his achievement at the Vancouver Olympics this February.

Vonetta Flowers (far left) begins a bobsled race. She won a gold medal in 2002.

While at the Olympic Games, African American athletes understand that they are representing the United States to the world. In fact, all Olympic athletes have the responsibility to practice good citizenship while competing in their various events. The athletes practice good sportsmanship by showing respect to the other participants. They set good examples for others and act as role models for many people, especially young people. Next year during Black History Month, you might learn about the achievements African Americans at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

TLX News Journal – Civics Activity:
Being an Olympic athlete requires a lot of time and practice. Do you want to be an Olympic athlete one day? Find a picture of a winter Olympic sport you might want to participate in. Paste or draw a picture of that sport being played in your TLX News Journal.