Olympian wins gold for Team USA, explodes with patriotism: ‘I love living here’
Thomas McDonald
|
Tamyra Mensah-Stock won gold in women’s freestyle wrestling at the Tokyo Olympics and exploded with patriotism in a post-match interview.
“It feels amazing. I love representing the U.S. I freaking love living there. I love it, and I’m so happy I get to represent USA! I love it!” Mensah-Stock said with an American flag dropped around her shoulders when asked how it feels to represent the U.S.
Mensah-Stock defeated Nigeria’s Blessing Oborududu by a score of 4-1 in the women’s freestyle wrestling competition. She scored two points off a takedown about a minute in. However, Oborududu was able to escape and earn a point. Mensah-Stock earned another two points on a takedown with three and a half minutes left, but that was the only points awarded for the rest of the match.
“Yes, 100%. I knew I could do it,” Mensah-Stock said on winning an Olympic gold medal. “I knew it would be hard. I prayed I could do it. In my wildest dreams, I knew I could do it.”
The gold medalist lost her father in high school.
“He would have been the loudest one here,” Mensah-Stock said through tears of joy on what her father’s reaction would have been. “He would be so proud. He would be so happy. He’s from Ghana too. He was like enemies with Nigeria, so it’s kind of poetic I had to wrestle a Nigerian in the finals.”
Reactions to Mensah-Stock’s pro-USA speech after winning her gold medal spread across social media. Many users compared her love for America to recent athletes who claim America is a racist nation.
“‘I love representing the USA. I love living there, I love it, and I’m so happy I get to represent U-S-A!’ – American gold medalist Tamyra Mensah-Stock. This is what real patriotism looks like. LeBron James and Colin Kaepernick could learn a lesson from her,” said David Hookstead.
“My new favorite athlete,” replied one Twitter user.
“This is Tamyra Mensah-Stock Team USA Wrestling Gold Medalist And this answer she gave is probably why you’re not hearing about her accomplishment,” said conservative commentator John Cardillo.
“God bless @MensahTamStock for this much needed dose of patriotism & joy and congratulations on making history!!!! You are inspiring!!!” Said Megyn Kelly.
“Team USA’s Tamyra Mensah-Stock after winning Olympic gold: “I love representing the U-S-A!” This is a winner. This is how you represent your country. Take notes,” said Benny Johnson.
“That wrestler who’s proud to represent the USA, Tamrya Mensah Stock, should get endless sponsorships and opportunities. Not losers like Colin Kaepernick who embarrass and hate our nation,” said another.
“This girl is so refreshing. She’s so happy and excited to represent this country. She’s the first black woman to win gold for wrestling and I bet the left won’t even mention her because of her love for America. Congrats Tamyra Mensah-Stock!” Said someone else.