For Megan Rapinoe and Simone Biles, receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Thursday was not just about collecting another piece of hardware.
The decorated athletes have stood atop podiums around the world, but this time they weren’t recognized for what they did on the pitch and in the gym. Instead, they were recognized for off-field achievements.
President Joe Biden praised Biles, a 25-year-old gymnast, in the packed East Room of the White House as she became the youngest person to receive the highest civilian honor.
