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:
"2016 belonged to America’s women Olympians. Ya'll crushed it." —@POTUS to #TeamUSA women athletes https://t.co/nMqjoSimWY
— White House Archived (@ObamaWhiteHouse) September 29, 2016
.@POTUS reflects on #TeamUSA Olympians who paved the way for a more inclusive Games and society: https://t.co/xlP8QSmuSk
— White House Archived (@ObamaWhiteHouse) September 29, 2016
Many other swimmers recounted their personal interactions with the Obama on the social media accounts. Check out some of the highlights below:
Obama: I think I remember your race
Me: no way😱
Obama: yeah your celebration gave me chills
…Best Day Ever👏🏼— Cody Miller (@swimiller) September 29, 2016
I just ate a blueberry muffin in the White House.
— Simone Manuel (@swimone) September 29, 2016
So I cried in front of President Obama and the First Lady. What an awesome day!
— Simone Manuel (@swimone) September 29, 2016
When you are 6'1'' and still can't see over anyone! #athletes #teamusa #ifeelshort pic.twitter.com/x12zdcs5tm
— Dana Vollmer (@danavollmer) September 29, 2016
Here at the White House ready to share my story and take your questions! #StopGunViolence pic.twitter.com/APrqRZhip6
— Townley Haas (@TownleyH) September 29, 2016
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.
Awwh its cute white ppl thought they were actually welcome .
He’s young and doesn’t know any better.
rough crowd
Let’s focus on swimming please, and not the politics.
I loved this. A feel soooooooo good story.