Simone Manuel Is Back; Announces She’ll Join Bob Bowman and All-Star Pro Group at Arizona State
The growing list of stars swimming with Bob Bowman at Arizona State’s pro group saw several additions in the past couple of months. Simone Manuel joined that list on Monday, announcing her intention to swim with Bowman via a social-media post.
“After a long and much needed break, I have made major changes. I am excited to announce that I will be training at ASU under the guidance of Bob Bowman, Herbie Behm, Rachel Stratton-Mills, and the coaching staff at ASU,” Simone Manuel wrote on Instagram in August.
Manuel also announced her engagement to Denzel Franklin on Monday.
“Easiest and quickest ‘Yes!’ Nothing tops being able to experience life’s blessing and challenges with your best friend. So excited to continue this journey called life with you!” Simone Manuel posted.
Manuel joins a long list of stars in Bowman’s pro group. Hali Flickinger and Allison Schmitt have been there for a while, but this year has seen the additions of Olivia Smoliga, Regan Smith, Chase Kalisz, Jay Litherland and Sierra Schmidt in recent months and weeks.
A two-time Olympian, Manuel became the first African-American woman to earn an individual gold medal at the Olympics when she shared the title in the 100 freestyle with Canadian Penny Oleksiak. She struggled at the 2021 Trials, revealing her challenge with overtraining syndrome. She still made the United States team for the Tokyo Games in the 50 freestyle. She has not raced competitively since Tokyo, where she helped the U.S. to bronze in the 400 freestyle relay. She finished 11th in the 50 free.
The return of Manuel could be what Team USA needs in the sprint-freestyle events. The 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle have lacked pop in recent years, and the United States is well behind Australia in the 400 freestyle relay.
the sprint Queen is back!