President Obama: Team USA Represents Diversity That Unites the Country

In his weekly address, President Obama boasted about the diversity that brings together the United States, just as that diversity was on full display at Friday's opening ceremony at the 2016 Olympic games in Rio, meshed together with a slew of culture that athletes from across the world brought to the stage along with their athletic prowess.

"Every four years, our nation’s attention turns to a competition that’s as heated as it is historic," he said. "People pack arenas and wave flags. Journalists judge every move and overanalyze every misstep. Sometimes we’re let down, but more often we’re lifted up."

Speaking of athletes that have made Olympic history in the past, Obama pondered which of the 554 members of Team U.S.A. would once again make history, referencing, among others, the late and great Muhammad Ali.

"Team USA reminds the world why America always sets the gold standard: We’re a nation of immigrants that finds strength in our diversity and unity in our national pride.

"Our athletes hail from 46 states, D.C., and the Virgin Islands. Our team boasts the most women who have ever competed for any nation at any Olympic Games. It includes active-duty members of our military and our veterans. We’ve got basketball players who stand nearly seven feet tall and a gymnast who’s 4-foot-8," he said. "And Team USA spans generations: a few athletes who are almost as old as I am, and one born just a year before my younger daughter. Our roster includes a gymnast from Texas who’s so trailblazing, they named a flip after her. A young woman who persevered through a tough childhood in Flint, Michigan, to become the first American woman to win gold in the boxing ring. And a fencing champion from suburban Jersey who’ll become the first American Olympian to wear a hijab while competing. And on our Paralympic team, we’re honored to be represented by a Navy veteran who lost his sight while serving in Afghanistan and continues to show us what courage looks like every time he jumps in the pool."

Obama reminded the country that the games are not only about the fleeting moments but the countless hours athletes put in to achieve greatness.

"That’s the Olympic spirit – and it’s the American spirit, too," he said.

He said the Olympians remind us that no one achieves greatness alone and urged the country to cherish the opportunity to come together under one flag in a season of intense politics. He cited the first-ever Olympic Refugee Team as an example of the idea that achieving success is possible no matter where you are from, saying the ten competitors personify endurance.

"To all of our Olympic and Paralympic athletes wearing the red, white, and blue – know that your country couldn’t be prouder of you. We admire all the work you’ve done to get to Rio and everything you’ll do there," Obama said. "Thank you for showing the world the best of America. And know that when you get up on that podium, we’ll be singing the National Anthem – and maybe even shedding a tear – right alongside you. Now go bring home the gold!"

Watch the president's full address below.

Image Screenshot via YouTube