View gallery
Simone Biles just earned another medal! The 25-year-old gymnast was honored in a special ceremony, where she was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, on Thursday, July 7. President Joe Biden celebrated Simone’s many athletic achievements, as well as her outstanding character, in a speech he gave about the honorees.
Pres. Biden listed Simone Biles’ numerous accomplishments, while highlighting her strength and ‘courage to turn personal pain into greater purpose,’ ahead of presenting the gymnast with the Medal of Freedom.
At 25, Biles will be the youngest person ever to receive the honor. pic.twitter.com/h4OMPzDUgv
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) July 7, 2022
Biden highlighted how inspiring Simone has been to so many Americans, showing what she represents to all her fans who have cheered her on. “The most decorated American gymnast in history, who everyone stops everything every time she was on camera just to watch,” the president said. “When we see her compete, we see unmatched power and determination, enduring grace. A trailblazer and a role model. When she stands on the podium, we see what she is: absolute courage, turned personal pain into a greater purpose, to stand up and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.”
Besides being an all-star athlete, Biden also revealed that Simone set a new record by receiving the award as the youngest recipient for the Medal of Freedom. “Today she adds to her medal count of 32—I don’t know if we’re going to find room—32 Olympic and world championship medals. At age 25, the youngest person ever to receive the Medal of Freedom.