President Biden praises Simone Biles, Team USA in virtual call with Olympians
ABC News
The president applauded Biles for returning to compete on the beam.
Ahead of the Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden were full of praise for Team USA during a Zoom call with dozens of Olympians who competed in the past two weeks, with the president telling the athletes they "really represented America." "You represented every single thing that we stand for," Biden said. "It wasn't just your athletic ability, it was your moral courage. The courage you show. The courage those who are under real pressure ... and phycological pressure." Biden singled out swimmer Katie Ledecky and runner Isaiah Jewett for their displays of sportsmanship during their competitions and thanked Simone Biles for deciding to return for her final event after taking care of her mental health. "These are the things that people look at around the world more than anything that I do as your president or other people do in public life," he said to all the athletes. "They get the impression of who we are as Americans -- who we are. And your handling yourself with such grace and such, such decency, it just -- you made me so damn proud."More Related News