Honoring Olympic Champions at The White House

There's no global stage like the Olympic Games, where friendly competition, celebrations of returning champions, and discoveries of new stars foster unparalleled connection worldwide, including at the White House.?

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden led the U.S. delegation to the Opening Ceremony for this year's Summer Olympics that beautifully concluded in Paris?yesterday, continuing?the White House’s time-honored tradition of supporting the Olympics and Team USA.

Over the years, this recognition has taken a variety of forms, from convening athletes in locations significant to the president to hosting Olympic traditions at the White House.

Exactly 100 years ago, the White House opened its doors to Team USA to express America’s excitement, unity, and support. Members of the U.S. Olympic boxing team were welcomed by President Calvin Coolidge before heading the 1924 Summer Olympics, which also happened to be in Paris!

In addition to celebrating in times of joy, the Olympics kept?spirits lifted ?during periods of national uncertainty and healing. Following 9/11, President George W. Bush honored the 2002 Winter Paralympic team on the South Lawn, highlighting their “uniquely American” character and their roles as volunteers, members of the Armed Services, and firefighters.?

These presidential visits have often served as intentional opportunities to help unify the American public. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter?spoke ?to his Olympic guests in the East Room about the difficult decision to forfeit participation in the Moscow Olympics as a form of boycotting against the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan.?

Beyond supporting the team, this was a meaningful opportunity for President Carter to rely on the support of approachable and notable athletes to explain his international relations strategy and vision to the American people.

Olympic Champions in More Ways Than One

Against the backdrop of the Olympics, presidents, first ladies, and athletes alike have used their platforms at the White House to highlight social issues and leave their mark long after the Games are complete—particularly with younger generations.?

As President Bill Clinton?said ?in 1998, “In a fundamental way, you [Team USA] have become part of America’s team for the rest of your lives. If you choose, for the rest of your lives, because you were an Olympian, you can have a profound positive impact on all the people with whom you come in contact, but especially on young people.”?

Following President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan’s?White House recognition , the women’s gymnastics team became more popular in news, inspiring girls to join the sport in record-breaking numbers. In the summer of 1984, gymnast Mary Lou Retton scored a perfect ten on the floor and vault exercises, becoming the first American in history to win an Olympic individual all-around gold.

President Ronald Reagan praised Retton for her stellar performance, stating, “You gave all of us such a lift. You gave us something to be unified around and cheer for together.” Retton gifted two blazers to the Reagans and dubbed President Reagan an honorary team member, illustrating the genuine connection between athletes and the White House.?

Olympics at the White House are also recognized for their impact beyond sports. In 2014, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams in conjunction with the First Lady’s?“Let’s Move” ?campaign that encouraged young people to make healthy choices.?

Recently in 2022, President Joe Biden awarded Simone Biles the highest civilian honor: the?Presidential Medal of Freedom . The White House recognized her record-breaking athletic achievements and her monumental work advocating for mental health and victims of sexual abuse.?And just this summer, President Biden presented Olympic champion swimmer Katie Ledecky the Presidential Medal of Freedom citing her as the most decorated American woman in swimming.

With the 2024 Games officially in the books, I know I join many Americans in anticipation to witness how the White House and our nation will celebrate this year’s incredible American Olympic heroes who inspire us all!

Celebrating Greatness

Like presidential inaugurations, the Olympics are a four-year cycle on the world stage. As we join the First Family in cheering on Team USA, we are spectators experiencing multiple sides of history interacting in powerful ways.?

Our country benefits from this great tradition. We at?the? White House Historical Association ?celebrate leaders on and off the field who display greatness in character and sportsmanship. Through its ongoing commitment to celebrating the Olympic spirit, The People’s House continues to serve as a beacon of hope, inspiration, and resilience through generations.