The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame, a historic ceremony, in recent times, was held back in June 2022. It welcomed two of the most iconic names in sports history. Michael Phelps and Lindsey Vonn took their rightful places among the pantheon of athletic greatness. That year’s class consisted of an astounding total of 129 medals, including 86 golds, which defines the Olympic legacy.

The selection process of the induction involves a nomination committee and online voting. Aside from Phelps and Vonn, the Class of 2022 featured a diverse group of extraordinary individuals. From Natalie Coughlin’s swimming valor to the marvelous achievements of Mia Hamm, Michelle Kwan, Billie Jean King, and the late Pat Summitt, the hall of fame echoed with triumph and dedication.

Michael Phelps and Lindsey Vonn’s powerful use of their platform

As the icons approached the stage, the audience erupted in thunderous applause, recognizing the incalculable impact these legends had on their respective sports. Lindsey Vonn’s beautiful words resonated with the audience during her induction speech, especially when she dedicated her induction to her pillars of support.

According to Marca, she said, “And I would like to dedicate my induction to everyone who has helped me get here, to the team, who has stood by me through thick and thin. Most importantly, she thanked her mother, who was battling ALS, inspired by whom she has become the alpine skiing legend she is today. Vonn used her moment on the grand stage of the Hall of Fame to urge fellow athletes to use their platforms for good.

Swimming’s GOAT Michael Phelps’ fierce triumphs and his battle with mental health took center stage as he stood vulnerable yet unafraid in front of the audience. He acknowledged the current state of the world and declared, “I cannot wait to really uncover, uncover and open more paths not only for everybody else in the world, but especially for our teammates and our athletes here at the USOPC.” Phelps urged his unfailing support for athletes dealing with the same internal struggles and assured them of providing the care and resources they deserved.

An enduring legacy

Since its inception in 1979, the Hall of Fame has recognized the outstanding achievements of American Olympic and Paralympic athletes. After a brief hiatus between 1992 and 2003, the Hall of Fame reopened in 2004, with the Class of 2006. This significant induction ceremony symbolized the end of a long-awaited reunion after the pandemic with the US Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame.

Read more: ?Always Been a Privilege?- Alpine Skiing Legend Lindsey Vonn on Cloud Nine After Her Induction to the Olympic Hall of Fame

With significant gaps since the previous class inductees in 2019, 2022?s inductees represented the pinnacle of athletic greatness. Their names and legacies will live on in the archives of Olympic history, inspiring future generations to dream big and push the boundaries of human capacity and limits.

Watch this story: ?Sweat Equity Baby!!!?: Dwayne ?The Rock Johnson? Admires Lindsey Vonn Grinding in the Gym Even on Vacation