Biden gives Simone Biles & Megan Rapinoe Presidential Medal of Freedom

Gymnast Simone Biles and soccer player Megan Rapinoe received the Presidential Medal of Freedom , the United States' highest civilian honor, on Thursday.

The president of the USA, Joe Biden , granted this recognition to 17 icons among which, in addition to Biles and Rapinoe

Were the actor Denzel Washington or the co-founder of Apple Steve Jobs , who was distinguished posthumously.

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Biles , 25, didn't need much of an introduction: She is the most decorated gymnast in American history

With 32 World and Olympic medals, and adds to her sporting achievements her activism for the mental health and safety of athletes

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The young woman was one of the hundreds of athletes who accused the doctor of the Olympic team Larry Nassar of sexual abuse and who put in the spotlight a system that allowed the coach to use his position to take advantage of them.

Another of the winners this Thursday, Megan Rapinoe , captain of the American soccer team OL Reign, champion with her 2019 World Cup team and activist for the rights of the LGTB collective

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The Presidential Medal of Freedom honors individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States .