Simone Biles Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

Simone Biles continues to break records and make historical past. On July 7, the 25-year-old Olympian, together with 16 different honorees, obtained the esteemed Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor — making her the youngest particular person to ever accomplish that, based on President Joe Biden.

Beyond being a world-renowned gymnast, Biles was honored as a “outstanding advocate for athletes’ mental health and security, kids within the foster care system, and victims of sexual assault,” the White House previously announced.

“Today, [Biles] provides to her medal depend of 32 — I do not know if you are going to discover room,” President Biden joked throughout his remarks on the White House. Biden then praised Biles for her capability “to show private ache right into a larger goal, to face up and converse for individuals who can’t converse for themselves.” During the award ceremony, Biles wore a shiny smile as Biden positioned her medal round her neck, and her fiancé, Jonathan Owens, was there to cheer her on from the entrance row.

Biles was honored alongside different recipients like Megan Rapinoe and Denzel Washington, although the latter wasn’t current for the ceremony on account of a optimistic COVID check, CNN reported. The actor will likely be awarded his medal at a later date.

Over the years, Biles has shattered glass ceilings within the sports activities world and turn out to be the most decorated gymnast in world championship history. Now, her newest accomplishment solely solidifies that she’s a real trailblazer. Ahead, try extra images of her receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom on the White House.