
via Getty
TOKYO, JAPAN: Simone Biles during warm-ups prior to the Women’s Balance Beam Final on day eleven of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo, Japan | Credits: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

via Getty
TOKYO, JAPAN: Simone Biles during warm-ups prior to the Women’s Balance Beam Final on day eleven of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo, Japan | Credits: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Sometimes an athlete?s impact on the world shines through more than just their sport. The seven Olympic medals, or being the most decorated gymnast in world championship history, aren?t the only achievements in Simone Biles? career.
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She has inspired young girls around the globe, became a spokesperson for mental health struggles among athletes, and fought for children in foster care and victims of sexual assault. To honor her efforts, the President of the United States has named her one of 17 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients.
Simone Biles receives the nation?s highest civilian honor
Simone Biles, widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time, will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House on July 7, 2022. Alongside her, the list contains names like Megan Rapinoe, Steve Jobs, John McCain, and Denzel Washington.

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STUTTGART, GERMANY – OCTOBER 13: Simone Biles of The United States poses for photos with her multiple gold medals during day 10 of the 49th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle on October 13, 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
At 25, Simone Biles is the youngest recipient of the honor, shattering Tiger Woods? record, who received the same at age 43 in 2019. She joins a long?list?of Olympians to receive the honor, including Jesse Owens, Muhammad Ali, and Pat Summitt.
More than her Olympic and World Championship medals, the?White House?notes Biles is a??prominent advocate for athletes? mental health and safety, children in the foster care system, and victims of sexual assault.?
Fans? reaction to the incredible news
Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom is no small task. It is no surprise that the public had a big reaction to the news. The fans flocked to Twitter to show their support in a sea of naysayers.
Let?s start with the biggest Simone Biles fan, her fiance and NFL star Jonathan Owens, who wrote,??Still in disbelief, I?m so proud of you baby ?????.?And he is not the only one bursting with pride.
Still in disbelief, I’m so proud of you baby ❤️❤️ https://t.co/qhtck2urAw
— Jonathan Owens (@jjowens_3) July 1, 2022
Gracing Biles with this medal comes as a proud moment for many communities. One fan commented,??More of this storyline please: @Simone_Biles is the first Black woman athlete to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom ??????.
More of this storyline please: @Simone_Biles is the first Black woman athlete to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom 🤸🏿♀️
— Risa Isard (she/her) (@RisaLovesSports) July 1, 2022
Meanwhile, another is excited about what this means for her daughter.??This is exciting news! Even better was showing my daughter this news so she got to see her idols receiving this honor.?
This is exciting news! Even better was showing my daughter this news so she got to see her idols receiving this honor. https://t.co/GYUUywnjlE
— Amanda McG (@ALM626) July 1, 2022
Some had hilarious reactions to the victory, writing,??Just confirmed the other 17 people are also Simone Biles. 18 Presidential Medals of Freedom!?
Just confirmed the other 17 people are also Simone Biles. 18 Presidential Medals of Freedom! https://t.co/kGskpHVwWo
— 🤖Isolinear Chap KC🥧🐀 (@FNAKC) July 2, 2022
?That?s right! it is yet another medal to add to her ever-growing collection!??Incredibly well deserved, congratulations, @Simone_Biles ?Another one to add to the trophy case ?,??one fan said.
Incredibly well deserved, congratulations, @Simone_Biles 🏅Another one to add to the trophy case 💅 https://t.co/v8WpmKAqsV
— 🏳️🌈 Evan Koepfler (he/him) (@EvanKoepfler) July 1, 2022
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Across a common theme of congratulations, Biles really has cemented her GOAT status in this world, and the fans know it.??So well deserved, Simone!! You’re truly an inspiration not only in the US but around the world. Congrats!!??
So well deserved, Simone!! You're truly an inspiration not only in the US but around the world. Congrats!!
— Marisol Silva (@marisolsb) July 1, 2022
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Good news indeed for little girls around the world.
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