Ohio-born Simone Biles among upcoming Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients
Simone Biles — the most decorated American gymnast in history — is set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the U.S.
The White House announced on Friday the 17 recipients of the award, whom President Joe Biden will present to on July 7. Among the awardees are former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords; former Arizona Sen. John McCain; former Apple CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs; and U.S. women’s soccer team member Megan Rapinoe.
Biles follows Ohioans Rep. Jim Jordan, former football stars Alan Page and Roger Staubach, businessman Roger Penske and Reagan administration economist Arthur Laffer in receiving the award— all of whom former President Donald Trump presented the honor to.
The White House press release applauded Biles as a staunch advocate for sexual assault victims, children in the foster care system and athlete mental health.
The gymnast testified last September in front of the Senate after a Justice Department’s report outlined "fundamental errors” in the FBI’s investigation into USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, who was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison for sexual assault.
“I don't want another young gymnast, or Olympic athlete, or any individual to experience the horror that I and hundreds of others have endured before, during and continuing to this day in the wake of the Larry Nassar abuse,” Biles said in her testimony.
Biles also pulled out of the Tokyo Olympics team final last year, citing mental health concerns after failing to pull off routine moves during her vault.
The 25 year old was born in Columbus and was part of the foster care system with her three siblings until 2000, when her maternal grandfather began raising them in Houston, Texas.
Biles still lives in Texas, and the gymnast’s older sister, Ashley Biles-Thomas, resides in Ohio.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Simone Biles to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden
