WASHINGTON — American women stole the show at the White House on Thursday as President Obama addressed the Olympic and Paralympic athletes who competed in Rio this summer.
Obama gave a shout-out to gymnast Simone Biles. “Only one American woman has ever won gold on the vault. Only one American has won four golds in gymnastics in a single Game,” he said.
He recognized Michelle Carter, the only American woman to win Olympic gold in the shot put, and Simone Manuel, the only African American female swimmer to win gold.
And while touting the achievements of boxer Claressa Shields, cyclist Kristin Armstrong, track star Allyson Felix, swimmer Katie Ledecky and others, Obama made it clear he was impressed by the female athletes in the East Room.