President Biden has joined the chorus of commendations for Simone Biles following her record-breaking seventh U.S. Gymnastics gold, labeling her the “best of America.”
“When we see Simone compete, we’re witnessing unmatched power and grace,” @POTUS Biden made the announcement in a Monday post on X, formerly known as Twitter:
When we see Simone compete, we're witnessing unmatched power and grace.
Not only is she the first in history to hold all eight U.S. gymnastics titles, but she's a trailblazer who spoke up for those who couldn't speak for themselves.
You represent the best of America. https://t.co/mwwVb5bjUZ
— President Biden (@POTUS) August 28, 2023
“Not only is she the first in history to hold all eight U.S. gymnastics titles, but she’s a trailblazer who spoke up for those who couldn’t speak for themselves,” Biden stated.
“You represent the best of America,” the commander in chief remarked about the 26-year-old athlete.
Biden’s remarks came following Biles’ achievement of becoming the first gymnast in history to secure eight U.S. all-around titles on Sunday during the U.S. Gymnastics Championships held in San Jose, Calif.
She resumed her sport two years after withdrawing from some of the competition at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, highlighting mental health issues and a medical condition known as the “twisties,” or a disconnect between an athlete’s mind and body.
In the same year, Biles testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, condemning the “entire system” for condoning assault by Larry Nassar. In 2018, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor was sentenced to decades of imprisonment for sexually abusing numerous gymnasts.
Biles has not stated if she intends to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, telling The Associated Press, “I like to keep [my goals] personal, just so that I know what I’m aiming for.”
This isn’t the first time Biles has received recognition from Biden. In the previous year, Biles was among 17 athletes who were presented with the at a White House event.
@Reuters shared a short 1-minute clip of President Biden’s speech praising Biles for her exceptional athletic prowess, and courage for being the voice of many who couldn’t speak for themselves:
President Joe Biden awarded Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles the Presidential Medal of Freedom. At age 25, she is the youngest person ever to receive the honor https://t.co/dY6T0dbKkZ pic.twitter.com/kJO3gUVR3l
— Reuters (@Reuters) July 8, 2022
Gymnast Simone Biles Secures Her 8th National Title at U.S. Championships with the win cementing her status as the first oldest woman ever to win a national title in the 60-year history of USA Gymnastics.
