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.

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.

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.

Trending

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers

April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT

Exclusive: Michael McDowell Reportedly the “Snitch” Who Got NASCAR Team Kicked Out at Talladega

April 26, 2024 07:44 PM EDT

Struggling Richard Childress Camp Warned of Kyle Busch’s Wrath by HMS Legend

April 27, 2024 06:58 PM EDT

Lakers Advised To Terminate LeBron James’ $99 Million Contract, a Move That Could Save His Legacy

April 28, 2024 06:14 AM EDT

Another Loss for Sha’Carri Richardson, Faces Defeat to Great Britain’s Olympian at Shanghai Diamond League

April 27, 2024 02:12 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

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.”

“People Were Pissed Off”- Simone Biles Once Felt Embarrassed for Winning Four Gold Medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics

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.

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 🤸🏿‍♀️”.

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.”

Some had hilarious reactions to the victory, writing, “Just confirmed the other 17 people are also Simone Biles. 18 Presidential Medals of Freedom!”

 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.

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!!” 

Good news indeed for little girls around the world.

“Will Never Happen Again”- Despite Her Horrifying Experience Simone Biles Encouraged Parents to Send Kids to Gymnastics