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2016 U.S. Olympic Team Gets Their Day at the White House

Braden Keith
by Braden Keith 6

September 29th, 2016 National, News

2016 Olympic Champion and 100 backstroke World Record holder Ryan Murphy checked in live from the White House on Thursday as part of the U.S. Olympic Team’s trip to meet president Barack Obama.

https://www.facebook.com/USAswimming/?fref=ts

Swimmers were among the hundreds of Olympians who were in the nation’s capital this week for a joint celebration at the USOC’s Team USA Awards, where Americans cleaned up, and the official White House visit.

In his remarks to the group, Obama recounted the results of both Katie Ledecky and Simone Manuel.

“Only one African American has ever won an Olympic swimming gold, and that was Simone Manuel,” he recounted.

He of course mentioned Michael Phelps, who is the winningnest Olympian in history – either of the modern or ancient Olympic games – and even cut himself off saying he expected to get the “Phelps face” if he kept talking any longer.

At least 4 American swimmers, Ryan Lochte, Jimmy Feigen, Gunnar Bentz, and Jack Conger were absent from the ceremony as a result of penalties applied in the infamous gas station incident in Rio.

See Obama’s speech here:

Many other swimmers recounted their personal interactions with the Obama on the social media accounts. Check out some of the highlights below:

 

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Over the PC
8 years ago

I really wish Obama, and in this case Tawnley Hass, would stop trying to push their political agenda. It really takes away the focus of accomplishment of these athletes and why they are there.

G.I.N.A
Reply to  Over the PC
8 years ago

Awwh its cute white ppl thought they were actually welcome .

CROOKED HILLARY
Reply to  Over the PC
8 years ago

He’s young and doesn’t know any better.

FREEBEE
Reply to  Over the PC
8 years ago

rough crowd

Sir Swimsalot
Reply to  Over the PC
8 years ago

Let’s focus on swimming please, and not the politics.

Lane Four
8 years ago

I loved this. A feel soooooooo good story.

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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