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Two-time World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe, and America's greatest gymnast Simone Biles were among 17 others who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House from Joe Biden on Thursday. Rapinoe was wearing a white suit jacket with B.G. initials on it referring to WNBA All Star Brittney Griner.
Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest US civilian award given to those who make an "especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors".
2012 Olympic gold medalist, Megan Rapinoe has taken a leading role on gender pay equality in her national team's legal dispute with their governing body. While receiving the award, the footballer was wearing a white suit jacket with B.G. initial on the lapel, mentioning professional basketball player Brittney Griner, who is detained in Russia from February.
The 25-year-old gymnast has become the youngest honoree of the Medal of Freedom award. Biles is the most decorated US gymnast with a total of 32 Olympic and world championships medals. She was the face of athlete's mental health and wellness at the Tokyo Games.
While presenting the award to Biles, President Biden said, "When she stands on a podium, we see what she is: absolute courage to turn personal pain into greater purpose. To stand up and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Today she adds to her medal count - how are we going to find room?"