Simone Biles and Megan Rapinoe will receive a very special medal. Already rewarded many times in gymnastics and football during their careers in their respective disciplines, the two sportswomen will be honored on July 7 by Joe Biden. The US President will present the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 17 citizens at the White House.
“The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor, awarded to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or “other significant societal, public or private enterprises,” the White House said in a statement.
Rapinoe very involved for equal pay, Biles for mental health
“President Biden has long said that America can be defined by one word: possibility. These seventeen Americans demonstrate the power of possibility and embody the soul of the nation – hard work, perseverance and faith. They have overcome tremendous odds to achieve awe-inspiring achievements in the arts and sciences, dedicated their lives to advocating for the most vulnerable among us, and acted courageously to bring about change in their communities – and in the world. world – while paving the way for generations to come,” the statement continued.
Simone Biles, the most successful gymnast in history at only 25 years old (32 medals at the Olympic Games and Worlds) is a fervent defender of the mental health and safety of athletes, children placed in the foster care system and victims of sexual assault. For her part, Megan Rapinoe led a long fight for equal pay for the selections, while being invested in racial justice and LGBTQI + rights.
Original article published on BFMTV.com
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