-Jasmine Dyer-

Cousins!

Simone Biles has a new honorary medal to add to her collection! 

On July 7, President Joe Biden presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Olympic gymnast and champion Simone Biles. Making her the youngest person ever to receive this prestigious honor at the age of 25! 

Simone expressed that this achievement is “a huge honor” to accomplish so early. She was among 17 recipients to receive this award, including Denzel Washington, soccer star Megan Rapinoe, Steve Jobs, and John McCain.

After de-stigmatizing mental health and advocating for sexual abuse survivors, Simone Biles becomes the youngest person ever to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. https://t.co/gint3pB5dO pic.twitter.com/WMigG5KmHX

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) July 8, 2022

According to the White House, she was not only awarded for her impact on U.S. gymnastics but also for her advocacy work for children in foster care, victims of sexual assault, and the mental health of athletes, to which she has personal connections. 

“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?’ But it’s a huge honor,” she told reporters at the White House. “I’m excited to be here especially with my family, my agents [and] all the other recipients. So, it was an exciting morning.” 

⁦@Simone_Biles⁩ : Presidential medal of freedom / No Words pic.twitter.com/p0MWqGM0ga

— Nellie Biles (@BilesNellie) July 7, 2022

Congratulations on this huge milestone Simone!