“I just want to go into a dark room and cry, but I’m crying from joy”
(Picture: Getty Images)U.S. wrestler Tamyra Mensah-Stock made history after being the first black woman to win gold, and second American overall, after a 4-1 defeat in the women’s 68-kilogram freestyle wrestling final in the Olympics.
Mensah-Stock dominated Tuesday’s final at Makuhari Messe Hall outside Tokyo. Her overwhelming emotion poured out into her inspiring post-match interview. “I’m feeling very happy and I keep trying not to cry, but it keeps happening”, she said while wrapped in a U.S. flag. “I just want to go into a dark room and cry, but I’m crying from joy.”
We need to protect this woman at all costs… An infectious beam of positivity, her spirit is undeniable. What an incredible representative of our sport and our great country. This interview is so emotional! We are SO proud of you! 🇺🇸 #TMS @MensahTamStock pic.twitter.com/372k1gpu0O
— The Wrestling Room (Pat Mineo) (@MrPatMineo) August 3, 2021
Mensah-Stock signalled a heart-shaped gesture after her well-deserved win. She then hugged her coaches and held the flag high above her head. “I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, look at us representing. It’s so freaking awesome. You’re making history, I’m making history. We’re making history. So it meant a lot”, she said.
“These young women are going to see themselves in a number of ways and they’re going to look up there and go, I can do that”, she said. “I can see myself.”
People took to Twitter to express their admiration and support for her. One user called the champion “an infectious beam of positivity” who needs to be “protected at all costs.”
Another said, “What a beautiful, amazing young woman! Gotta love someone who proudly expresses her love of our great country! We need more of this!!!”
While a third tweeted: “Her honesty, joy, excitement, honesty, and power of self-worth just oozes — great example for human kind. Wonderful on the mat and in life. Thank you. We’ve got your back!”
Best interview I've seen in a looooong time. She made me smile, laugh and cry in just minutes.
— Rich Kastelitz (@KastelitzRich) August 4, 2021
AMAZING, She is Awesome!!! God Bless Her & America!!!!
— Deeper_37 (@Deeper_37) August 3, 2021
Absolutely awesome! Congratulations and thank you for representing our country!
— Mark Ashley (@MarkAshleyUSMC) August 3, 2021
Precious child. Congratulations 🎊🎈🍾! Many well wishes for your future.
— Terri Smith (@terrihill014) August 3, 2021
in pool of tears, awesome girl @MensahTamStock
— Ceher (@lahudud) August 3, 2021
🖤🤎💚🤍💜
Congrats to Tamyra Mensah-Stock on being the first American Black Woman in history to win Olympic Gold in wrestling!!! Awesome!!!!! #olympics #usawrestling pic.twitter.com/zGdpv3loQW
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) August 3, 2021
There’s that Olympic spirit!! Congratulations Tamara Mensah-Stock on the GOLD! And THANK YOU for representing our country with such exuberance and grace❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/9Qh85ETGPb
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) August 4, 2021
