During the July 7 ceremony at the White House, the 25-year-old Olympic gymnast was presented with the award — which is considered the nation’s highest civilian honor — by President Joe Biden for her advocacy efforts supporting survivors of sexual assault, children in foster care, and athletes’ mental health. President Biden praised her for her courage and bravery, “to turn personal pain into a greater purpose, to stand up and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves,” he said. “Today, [Biles] adds to her medal count of 32 - I don’t know if you’re gonna find room,” Biden said with a chuckle. Biles was among 17 other inductees that were also met with honors for their outstanding efforts; including Denzel Washington, Megan Rapinoe, John McCain (posthumous), and Steve Jobs (posthumous). You can watch the full video of Simone Biles receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom below: Next, Nipsey Hussle Death: Jury Finds Man Guilty of First-Degree Murder.
