25-year-old Biles - the most decorated American gymnast of all-time with a combined 32 Olympic and world championships medals - became the youngest person ever to be honored with the Medal of Freedom..
U.S. President Joe Biden hailed the gymnast, not just for her gravity-defying routines, but for her role as a champion for athlete wellness and mental health.
"When she stands on a podium, we see what she is: Absolute courage to turn personal pain into greater purpose. To stand up and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Today, she adds to her medal count of 32. How are we going to find room?"
Megan Rapinoe, soccer's fiery leader on and off the pitch, received her medal with a handshake and wink to Biden, in a white suit jacket with the initials "BG" embroidered on the lapel, an apparent nod to WNBA All Star Brittney Griner, who has been detained in Russia since February on a drug charge.
Other recipients included former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, a survivor of gun violence and an advocate for gun violence prevention, Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington and the late Senator John McCain.
"I'm the guy that encouraged John to go home and run for office for real, because I knew what incredible courage, intellect and conscience he had."
The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor.
