Being an Olympian or a Paralympian is the highest honor of an athlete’s life. Sometimes it takes the preparation of a lifetime just to perform at such a prestigious stage. However, more than achievements and medals, it’s about the respect and admiration you receive as an athlete. After all, not everyday you get an appreciation for your talent from President Joe Biden himself.
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This was the first-ever instance in the history of a longstanding tradition at the White House that it hosted both Summer and Winter Olympians and Paralympians together. Though it only made the event more special. The event was to be held after the 2020 Tokyo Games. However, it was postponed due to the covid-19 outbreak.
Joe Biden honors Olympians and Paralympians
It was a moment of pride for the athletes, but they all well deserve it. Shedding light on the role of sports in maintaining national unity, Biden said, “We’ve been a very divided nation philosophically of late, but you brought us together. For no matter the divisions, when we see you compete, we feel a common pride in those three letters: U-S-A. I mean that. There’s a common pride that crosses all political spectrums.”
In @TeamUSA, we see who we are as a nation. A nation that can be defined by a single word: possibilities. They represent that very soul of America, and it was an honor to welcome them to the White House. pic.twitter.com/CBaR211WGD
— President Biden (@POTUS) May 4, 2022
Perhaps these are the moments every athlete might reflect back on. The amount of hard work and dedication for years and years. All of that comes to light at the highest level. The feeling is just inexplicable.
President applauds athletes for their strong determination in trying times
Amidst the raging covid-19, it was a tough phase for all the athletes taking part in Summer Olympics. However, like true champions, they overcame all the atrocities with their remarkable victories in the Olympics.
Reiterating the dark days of covid-19, the president said, “I know that these games may not have been exactly as you once imagined, with stadiums packed with people and all of your loved ones screaming from the sidelines, but you are all champions just the same.”
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Well, this was the event every member present at the White House would carry in their hearts.
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It’s a reminder of what they have accomplished and what worth their efforts hold.