Denzel Washington, Megan Rapinoe, Simone Biles and more to receive Medal of Freedom
The newly announced class of 17 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients includes iconic names like Denzel Washington (67), Megan Rapinoe (36), and Simone Biles.
At the age of 25, Biles will become the youngest athlete to receive the award.
Washington studied at Fordham University in the Bronx before embarking upon one of American cinema’s most celebrated careers. He is known for performances in films such as Philadelphia and Malcolm X. The actor also scored Academy Awards for his roles in Training Day and Glory.
Also set to be honored with the prestigious award is Sandra Lindsay, a New York nurse who kicked off the American vaccination project by receiving the country’s first post-trial shot in December 2020. Steve Jobs and John McCain will also receive honors posthumously.
"President Biden has long said that America can be defined by one word: possibilities," the White House said in a statement.
"These seventeen Americans demonstrate the power of possibilities and embody the soul of the nation – hard work, perseverance, and faith. They have overcome significant obstacles to achieve impressive accomplishments in the arts and sciences, dedicated their lives to advocating for the most vulnerable among us."
The awards are to be bestowed at the presidential residence. Since President John F. Kennedy’s administration, the White House has handed out the honors to a broad array of distinguished Americans.
Each of the 17 Medal of Freedom recipients will be given their awards in a ceremony at the White House on July 7.
Cover photo: Collage: Screenshot / Instagram/ mrapinoe & simonebiles / Michael loccisano / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP