CKW Luxe is proud to announce that Simone Manuel is our honoree for the Fireball Award. This award goes to an exceptional youth athlete. The winner of this award represents the meaning of teamwork, determination, and passion for the sport.

“When you’re surrounded by good teammates and great people, you can achieve your wildest dreams, because they energize and inspire you. Never stop dreaming.” – Simone Manuel

Simone Manuel, originally from Sugar Land Texas, won gold at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. As a matter of fact, Simone made history by being the first African-American swimmer to win an individual gold medal in an Olympic Games.

But let’s back up a little and learn about how she got to that point. Simone was introduced to swimming when her parents enrolled her in swimming lessons at the age of four. All three of the Manuel children learned to swim at an early age to ensure they were good swimmers and safe in the water.