The United States had an incredible stint in the City of Love. 51 days after the Paris Olympics officially concluded, President Joe Biden invited athletes who represented the country at the Paris Summer Games and Paralympics. Team USA brought home a resounding 126 Olympic medals, 28 of which were by the swimming team. Among them was Torri Huske, who clinched 5 Olympic golds in the French capital. 

Before Biden addressed the athletes present, Adrina Castro, Paul Schulte, and the 21-year-old spoke to the U.S. delegation. The swimmer beamed with pride, opening up about her experience in Paris. “Beyond the medals, so many personal bests were achieved, iconic performances will be etched in our history,” she stated. However, Torri Huske reveals it was more than just that. “There’s a reason we are known as the best country in the world; we not only have the hardware to back that up, but each of us has a story of how we fought to get here.“

After several missteps, the swimmer finally redeemed herself in the French capital. She even showed appreciation for the 105 medals Team USA clinched at the Paralympics. “Each medal is a testament to our hard work, determination, and grit.” The Olympian reiterated how their years of sacrifice have led to their moment of greatness. 

She continued, “As amazing as this is, the Olympics and Paralympics are so much more than each of our individual accomplishments.” The Olympian exclaimed how many believe the games unite nations in the spirit of competition and foster peace. “They also inspire others, and that is what each of us did this summer,” she stated. The 21-year-old concludes by mentioning that not only did each athlete represent the flag or the people, “but we upheld the legacy that is the United States.” After each athlete addressed the crowd, it was President Biden’s turn. 

President Joe Biden’s message for Torri Huske and the U.S. delegation

President Biden addressed the Olympians and Paralympians on the South Lawn of the White House. “Thank you for representing the best of America.” He even showed gratitude by hailing them as prime examples for the younger generation in the country. “They see you, and they begin to believe in themselves.” Biden even admitted to watching the Summer Games: “In fairness, I had the TV on in the Oval Office as well.” No one could resist watching the nation’s best, including his staff.

While the First Lady, Jill Biden, supported the athletes at the French Capital, he wasn’t present. Why? He was advised against going because it would have caused a disruption. But he wouldn’t want to miss the Summer Games when they take place in Los Angeles 4 years later. “I won’t be president, they can’t stop me from going there then,” he admitted.

However, he left a sweet message for Team USA before the 2024 Paris Olympics commenced. “Let’s go, Team USA, you’re the best in the world. And you’re going to show the world again. Go Team USA!” President Biden exclaimed. His team shared the video on the official POTUS X account with an equally inspiring caption. 

“Our Olympic athletes are the reason so many of us believe we can do big things. Bring it home, @TeamUSA.” However, as he addressed Torri Huske and Co., he echoed the swimmer’s statement by declaring the country the “greatest sports nation in the history of the world.” Even though the Summer Games are done and dusted, the Olympian’s message continued to shine a light on everything it takes to put their best step forward on the world’s biggest stage.