Simone Biles and Megan Rapinoe, two of the country’s top athletes and trail blazers in women’s sports, will now receive the highest civilian honor bestowed by the United States: the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The two sports stars are among the 17 individuals that will be presented with the honor on July 7, the White House announced Friday.
“Simone Biles is the most decorated American gymnast in history, with a combined total of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals. Biles is also a prominent advocate for athletes’ mental health and safety, children in the foster care system, and victims of sexual assault,” the White House Statement reads.