Manuel turned pro last year, and recently took home seven medals at the World Swimming ChampionshipsGETTY IMAGES
Gold Medal-winning U.S. swimmer Simone Manuel said she will "continue to push for impact" through her marketing deal with swimming and triathlon apparel brand TYR, according to David Barron of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. Her contract with TYR was "described as an 'inclusion rider' to support diversity in her projects for the company." Manuel said, "Equality, diversity and inclusion are important to me. Especially in the sport of swimming, I want to provide meaningful opportunities for under-represented communities." She added, "For example, when I go to a photo shoot with TYR, I ask for a black person to do my hair and makeup because in the beauty industry, they are not often given those opportunities. I want to open up a space where they feel welcomed. They’re qualified, so why not give them an opportunity?" Manuel also has endorsement deals with Toyota, Coca-Cola and Nike. She also "works with schools and with USA Swimming’s foundation to encourage swimming lessons among African-Americans." It has been a "unique year" for Manuel, who in July '18 turned pro and graduated from Stanford last March. She recently took home seven medals in total at the World Swimming Championships, the "most ever won by a woman at the event" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 8/17).
