Not many people can say they received a special congratulatory message from the president himself.
On Wednesday, President Barack Obama made a personal call to congratulate the U.S. women’s gymnastics team on their Olympic gold win. Their accomplishment marks the first gold medal for Team USA since 1996.
The President called from Air Force One saying, “Michelle and I have watched and decided of all the Olympians you guys amaze us the most.” According to the White House Press Office, he delivered individual messages. “You just tore it up,” Obama said to Gabby Douglas, the 16-year-old break-out star who is the first African-American woman since Dominique Dawes to represent Team USA. “I know how hard you worked to get there,” he said. “Keep at it. Stay cool.”
He also gave messages to 15-year-old Kyla Ross on her balance beam routine, 16-year-old McKayla Maroney on her vault performance, 17-year-old Jordyn Wieber on her powerful comeback and 18-year-old Aly Raisman on how overall impressed he was with the team.
The Olympians then took to Twitter to express their excitement and gratitude. “Just talked to the President on the phone! Pretty much the coolest thing ever!!” Wieber tweeted.
Douglas followed with, “Just talked to the President of the United States!!! WOW such an honor and amazing feeling!! #thankyou.”
Today, Douglas and Raisman will compete in the gymnastics individual all-around final. If Douglas wins gold she will be the first American gymnast to do so.
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