Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles is among 17 civilians who will be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the White House announced Friday.
At the age of 25, Biles will become the youngest athlete ever to receive the honor.
Recognized as the nation’s highest civilian honor, the award is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.
Biles, the most decorated American gymnast in history, has won a combined 32 Olympic and World Championship medals. In recent years, she’s become a prominent advocate for athletes’ mental health and safety, children in the foster care system, and victims of sexual assault.
The awards will be presented at the White House on July 7.
Complete list of recipients:
Simone Biles
Sister Simone Campbell
Dr. Julieta García
Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords
Fred Gray
Steve Jobs
Father Alexander Karloutsos
Khizr Khanis
Sandra Lindsayis
John McCain
Diane Nash
Megan Rapinoe
Alan Simpson
Richard Trumka
Wilma Vaught
Denzel Washington
Raúl Yzaguirre
