After a busy Olympic spell in the French capital, it’s time to celebrate at home. In recent weeks, this image has become increasingly popular on social media. In the USA, nothing has gone beyond that line. Rather, the table-topper Team USA earned a special invitation from the POTUS Joe Biden. Meanwhile, the Paralympic team of the USA received a similar invitation from the President. Hundreds of athletes were prepared to witness history on Monday morning in the expansive White House, which was prepared to host them. However, some notable performers, such as Simone Biles, were absent from the team.

Almost all of Team USA’s key claimers from Paris were present on Monday. In fact, the resolution had been to honor 126 medalists from the Paris Olympics and 105 medalists from the Paris Paralympics. Yet, several stars with the Olympic all-around champion in women’s gymnastics missed the occasion. But why? 

Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, and a few others couldn’t appear at the White House 

Simone Biles stands out among the notable figures who did not attend the White House event. With three golds and one silver from the French city, she may have become the first name after Torri Huske (the top American name from the Paris Olympics) at the moment. However, the gymnastic luminary had to miss the occasion because of her pop-themed gymnastic show, Gold Over America Tour in Chicago. Furthermore, she would have to rush to Newark on the same day after attending the White House event because of the scheduled show. The journey could have taken its toll on her. That may be the cause of her absence. The same is true for several other gymnasts. 

Although Hezly Rivera and Khoi Young attended the White House on Monday, other names like Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, and Fred Richard did not show up. The reason could be their engagement with the ongoing GOAT show. Stephen Nedoroscik also missed the event because he engaged with the Dancing With The Stars show (33rd season). The same reason also stood as a barrier in front of Ilona Maher to attend the event at the capital.

Apart from them, Noah Lyles, and Fred Kerley, also missed the moment. On Monday, Quincy Wilson and Kenny Bednarek stepped into the White House to cherish his big moment. But his colleagues remained absent. However, the off-season leisure could be the reason leading to their absence. The same applies to Sha’Carri Richardson and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. 

Both athletes missed the event in Washington, DC. While Sydney was spotted in her home, juggling with the larger version of Ten-pin, Sha’Carri was preoccupied with a business appointment. On Monday, the latter was seen at an event by Nike, her sponsor. Later, she shared an Instagram story signifying her return to her hometown. Her compatriot, Gabby Thomas, was also not seen. 

After snagging three Olympic golds and promoting the first women-only track contest, Athlos NYC on September 26, Gabby could have been a potential candidate to steal the show in the White House. But because of her off-time, she had no option other than to miss the event. However, among the swimmers, Torri Huske and Kieran Smith appeared in the White House on Monday. But the skipper, Katie Ledecky, missed the opportunity. 

Recently, the most decorated female swimmer appears to have used timings in promotional events as well as at home. That might be the reason to keep her away from the event. The other big names, Kate Douglass, Gretchen Walsh, Alex Walsh, Paige Madden, and Emma Weber (who snagged a total of 11 medals in Paris), appeared at Nationals Park on Sunday.

They were honored in the Washington Nationals’ season finale match against the Philadelphia Phillies. That may have contributed to their absence in the White House. Furthermore, several of them are aiming to appear in the Swimming World Cup this month in Shanghai. So, involvement with preparation could be another element.

In addition to the notable absentees, the basketball squads of Team USA were also missing from the White House celebration. With most of the players tied up in their ongoing seasons, making it to a Monday morning event was a tall order. Still, the POTUS made sure to recognize all the athletes who brought home gold in Paris. He expressed his heartfelt thanks, saying, “Thank you for representing the very best of America.” That sense of pride carried through the entire evening, even without some of the star players in attendance.