SIMONE BILES: Presidential Medal of Freedom

Olympic gymnast Simone Biles will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her selection is based on her advocacy for mental health and victims of sexual assault.

President Joe Biden chose 17 recipients for this Thursday’s ceremony. The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor of American citizens that “made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States.”

Oscar winner Denzel Washington will join Simone Biles at the White House ceremony. Beyond his acting honors, Washington has spent a quarter-century as the National Spokesman for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Champion soccer player Megan Rapinoe and the late Steve Jobs are two other big-name celebs to be awarded this Thursday the Presidential Medal of Freedom. (Variety)