Megan Rapinoe is among the 17 people set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the White House said. The honor will be presented on July 7
The honour, awarded to those who have made "exemplary contributions" to the United States, global peace or other endeavors, will be presented on July 7.
The White House recognised 25-year-old Biles not only for her achievement in competition but as a "prominent advocate for athletes’ mental health and safety, children in the foster care system, and victims of sexual assault." The pink-haired leader on and off the pitch emerged as an advocate for gender pay equity in her national team's legal dispute with their governing body and has been a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and LGBTQ rights.
"I feel like I'm not here without any of you," she said on Friday at an emotional news conference, in which she celebrated her team mates and former national team players alike.