Serena Williams may have earned herself a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics, but the world is abuzz about her reaction to her win. After taking down Maria Sharapova in the women’s singles final, Williams burst into a victory dance and proceeded to Crip Walk for the world to see.
At the time, it seemed like Williams, a Compton, Calif., native, Crip Walked as a nod to her sister, Venus, who was cheering her on from the stands. And broadcasters were left stunned as Williams pumped her fist in the air, jumped up and down and C-Walked for a few seconds.
During a post-match conference, Williams finally gave some clarity to the media, who seemed to be flabbergasted by her Crip Walk.
“Actually, there is a name. But I don’t know if . . . it’s inappropriate,” Williams said, responding to questions about her victory dance. “It’s just a dance we do in California.”
Though her dance was done in a moment of pure joy, afterward, Williams seemed to be aware of the backlash that could come from her dance. And, of course, she was right.
FoxSports criticized Williams, saying, “You couldn’t help but shake your head. It was as if Serena just couldn’t seem to avoid dipping into waters of controversy even as she’d ascended to the top of her sport.”
Blogger Debbie Schlussel mirrored their sentiment, writing, “Yup, that’s what we need representing America, a Gold Medalist who, upon winning, glorifies hardened criminals who murder each other — and innocent Americans — for sport.”
However, the Washington Post defended Williams’ C-Walk, pointing out the questionable moral history of the games and explaining her dance as nothing more than a joyful exchange between two Compton sisters who rose out of their environment and ended up at the Olympics.
We’re inclined to agree with the Washington Post, but tell us what you think about Williams’ C-Walk. And check out some other infamous victory dances and acceptance speeches below. –nicholas robinson
