Two of the GOATs in women's sports, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and Olympic medalist/World Cup champion soccer player Megan Rapinoe, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Thursday from US President Joe Biden.
On Thursday, July 7, 2022, in the East Room of the White House, President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal Of Freedom to 17 recipients. It is the nation's highest honor given to civilians, the Washington Post reported.
Out of these 17 people, which included actor Denzel Washington and a posthumous award for Steve Jobs, only two recipients were athletes. They are considered among the greatest of all time in their sports: Simone Biles and Megan Rapinoe.
Simone Biles becomes youngest oerson to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
Simone Biles is one of the greatest gymnasts in American history and one of the most dominant of all time. Her specialty is artistic gymnastics. She has won seven Olympic medals, which ties her with Shannon Miller for the most medals won by an American gymnast.
Twenty-five-year-old Biles made history again by being the youngest person ever to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, E! Online reported. She takes the record away from Tiger Woods, who received the honor at 43 in 2019.
"It's kind of scary because it is the best award you can receive for your whole life so now it's kind of scary like, 'Oh, what do I do now?'" Biles told reporters at the White House. "But it's a huge honor."
Olympic career
In 2016, Biles took home five Olympic medals. Four gold medals and one bronze. In 2021, Biles withdrew from four contests due to mental health issues. However, she still managed to take home two Olympic medals: one silver and one bronze.
Soccer legend Megan Rapinoe receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
Megan Rapinoe is a legend in the sport of women's soccer. The 37-year-old is largely considered the best female soccer player of all time. Rapinoe is an Olympic gold medalist and a two-time World Cup champion.
Megan Rapinoe became the first soccer player in history to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She is also only the sixth female athlete in history to receive the honor, Sports Illustrated reported.
Rapinoe has garnered equal publicity for her off-field activism.
"Megan is a champion for the essential American truth that everyone — everyone — is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect," President Biden said
Soccer career
Rapinoe plays winger and serves as captain of OL Reign of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), as well as the United States National Team.