That’s how you do it! Simone Biles has another accomplishment to add to her long list! Today, the 25-year-old gymnast became the youngest person to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. President Biden’s speech honoring Simone said, “When we see her compete, we see unmatched power and determination, grace and daring – a trailblazer and a role model.”
Following the ceremony, Simone took to her Instagram about receiving the medal, writing,
“I’m so honored & thankful to be recognized as a recipient by President Biden for this prestigious award. I still have no words. I’m shocked!”
The olympians’ fiancé, Jonathan Owens, also congratulated his woman on the honor on the ‘gram.
He wrote,
“Words can’t explain how proud I am of you. This has been such a surreal experience to watch you receive your Presidential Medal of Freedom and be the youngest to ever receive one at that!”
The Olympic gymnastics wasn’t the only one who received this medal. She was among 17 others, including U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe. Khizr Khan, the father of a fallen Muslim Army captain, and Sandra Lindsay, a New York nurse who was among the first in the country to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Legendary actor Denzel Washington was also honored.
Unfortunately, Denzel could not attend the ceremony after contracting COVID-19. According to People, a rep for the actor said, “Denzel tested positive for COVID, and so he was unfortunately unable to attend the Medal of Freedom award ceremony.” However, the rep ensured he felt fine and would be honored at a later date. During the ceremony, President Biden shared remarks about the actor who referred to him as “a man who couldn’t be here today but wanted to be.”
Congrats to all of the medal recipients!
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