The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor, and Biles, 25, is the youngest person to receive the Medal for her advocacy for “mental health and safety, children in the foster care system, and victims of sexual assault.” according to the White House

President Biden announced the 17 recipients of the 2022 Presidential Medal of Freedom on Jul 1. On Jul 7, he draped several of this year’s honorees with awards around their necks while at the White House.

Other honorees include activist Megan Rapinoe, athlete Megan Rapinoe, actor Denzel Washington, the late John McCain, and Steve Jobs.

“Today, she adds to her medal count,” President Biden said as he presented Biles with her award. “I don’t know how you’re going to find room,” he joked at Biles.

 

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A post shared by President Joe Biden (@potus)

Reflecting on her accolade, Biles shared a photo rocking her gold medal on  Instagram.

“Medal of Freedom. I’m so honored & thankful to be recognized as a recipient by President Biden for this prestigious award. I still have no words. I’m shocked!” she captioned her photo.

Biles’s fiance, the NFL player Jonathan Owens, commented on his extraordinary lady’s post cheering her on.

“So proud of you, baby … what an amazing experience,” he commented under her post. 

Owens was front and center at the award ceremony and praised her on his Instagram for all that she’s accomplished and overcome.

 

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A post shared by Jonathan Owens 🏈 (@jowens_3)

“Words can’t explain how proud I am of you, this has been such a surreal experience to watch you receive your Presidential Medal of Freedom and be the youngest to ever receive one at that!. You’re one of the strongest people I know and are so deserving, I’m so blessed to be able to experience this with you. You motivate me more every day to be the best version of myself. Such a inspiration, I love you so much babe ❤️,” Owens captioned his thread of photos.

“The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors,” The White House statement read.

With 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, Biles can add the Medal of Freedom to her collection.