“WTF these are the moments that deserve to be shown on the broadcast!” - Fans react to Simone Manuel tearing up after qualifying for Paris Olympics

Simone Manuel has officially become a three-time Olympian after claiming a spot in the 4x100m freestyle relay team. For the American, this marks an important milestone in her career after her struggle post the 2020 Game, and fans couldn't be happier for her.

Manuel originally scripted history at the 2016 Rio Games clinching two golds and two silvers, making her the first Black American woman to win an individual Olympic gold in swimming. However, a few years later, the swimmer struggled with overtraining syndrome, and took a year-long hiatus from the sport after a disappointing outing at the Tokyo Olympics.

Now, competing at the U.S Olympic Swimming Trials on Wednesday night at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Simone Manuel is back to her winning ways. She finished fourth in the 100m freestyle with a time of 53.25, making it to her third consecutive Games as part of the relay team. After the race, the 26-year-old broke down in tears, a moment that left fans emotional.

One fan on X (formerly Twitter) was quick to bash the broadcast for foregoing such an important moment, writing,

“WTF! These are the moments that deserve to be shown on the broadcast.”

Another fan hailed the champion for her successful comeback, writing,

“Swimone is back.”

Here is how other swimming enthusiasts reacted to Simone Manuel making it to her third consecutive Olympic Games.

“Simone Manuel has done so much for the swimming community. Exposing BIPOC girls and women to the sport and the Simone Manuel foundation helping BIPOC kids learn about water safety, a crucially underserved community in that aspect. She deserves EVERYTHING,” one fan wrote.

“Simone works so hard and deserves the world! So great to see her make the team!” another chimed in.

“I’m not crying, you're crying. LET'S GO SIMONE,” one X user commented.

Simone Manuel on making it to the Paris Olympics

TYR Pro Swim Series San Antonio - Day 3

After her disappointing outing at the Tokyo Olympics, which saw her return with only one bronze from the relay events, Simone Manuel took a year-long break from swimming.

She got back to the pool in the middle of 2022, shifting training bases to Arizona, in order to be coached by the legendary Bob Bowman. Manuel began competing again in 2023, with her focus on the Paris Olympics, slowly making her way back to her original times.

Now, having qualified for the Games and making it to the elusive three-time Olympian club, Manuel called the achievement a ‘miracle’.

“It means everything to me. It’s a miracle that I’m even able to stand up here and be able to race again. The people close to me know the journey it took to get here. I’m really proud of myself and proud of Team USA,” she told the audience of the Lucas Oil Stadium after the race.

Simone Manuel was entered in three events at the U.S Olympic Swimming Trials, the 200m, 100m, and 50m freestyle. With the races for the 50m free still pending, the American has the chance to qualify for the Games in individual event as well.