Michigan Olympians Honored at White House

(Originally published Sept. 30, 2016) WASHINGTON, DC – Michigan Olympic luminaries Claressa Shields, Allison Schmitt and Jeff Porter joined 600 members of Team USA at a White House ceremony this morning honoring their feats at the Olympic Summer Games in Rio. Each athlete had the chance to shake hands with the president, first lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

The president specifically gave a shoutout to Flint's two-time-gold winning boxer. “Only one American boxer, male or female, has ever won back-to-back Olympic golds – Claressa Shields,” he said

“I am humbled and honored to be recognized by @POTUS,” Shields later posted on Twitter with the hashtag, “just a kid from Flint.” Shields has been boxing since age 11. When she was 17 she showed up at the U.S. trials as the youngest boxer, and later made history at the London games. She hasn't lost since.

Canton native Allison Schmitt, a gold and silver swimming medalist and a team captain, posted a photo in the East Room on Instragram, saying, “We were playin' ball with the president.” Schmitt was just out of Canton High when she qualified for the London games in 2008 where she won three gold medals.

Jeff Porter, a former track All-American at the University of Michigan also tweeted from the White House:

“One of the reasons our country is so proud of this year’s Team USA is 2016 belonged to America’s women Olympians. I mean, no question,” Obama told the audience. “And as the father of two young women, for them to have that example of health, and drive, and competition, and persistence, and strength – it makes me really proud. So thank you – all the great jobs that you guys did.”

After telling the audience that he considered doing a floor routine with gymnast Simone Biles, the first lady interrupted and quipped, "He can't touch his toes."

The president continued:

But the story of this year’s Team USA is all about firsts. Our Olympians came in first so many times more than anybody else. It wasn’t even close: 46 golds. Not to brag, but 46 golds. You made the U.S. the first country in 40 years to top the medal chart in every category. And it was a feat built one unprecedented accomplishment at a time.

And then there are some firsts that show the world America’s greatness doesn’t come only from high scores or fast times, but from our diversity and our tolerance and our open hearts. This summer’s fencer, Ibtihaj Muhammad, became the first American female athlete to compete in the Olympic Games in a hijab. And that’s important too, because one of the wonderful things we love when we see our Olympians is everybody is from all kinds of different backgrounds and shapes and sizes.

See Also

• Claressa Shields, Flint Boxer, Wins Gold at Rio 2016 Olympics, Makes History

Featured photo of Claressa Shields via Team USA via Flickr