Declaring the U.S. the 鈥済reatest sports nation in the history of the world," President Joe Biden welcomed U.S. Olympians and Paralympians at the White House on Monday to recognize their achievement in this summer's Games in Paris.
President Joe Biden, front row center, takes a photo with attendees at an event celebrating the 2024 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
AP Photo/Susan Walsh
President Joe Biden, from left, speaks as Olympic swimmer Torri Huske and Paralympian basketball players Paul Schulte listen during at an event celebrating the 2024 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
AP Photo/Susan Walsh
President Joe Biden, from left, speaks as Olympic swimmer Torri Huske and Paralympian basketball players Paul Schulte listen during at an event celebrating the 2024 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
AP Photo/Susan Walsh
President Joe Biden delivers remarks at an event celebrating the 2024 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
AP Photo/Susan Walsh
President Joe Biden delivers remarks at an event celebrating the 2024 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
AP Photo/Susan Walsh
President Joe Biden, left, and Olympic swimmer Torri Huske attend an event celebrating the 2024 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
WASHINGTON (AP) 鈥� Declaring the U.S. the 鈥済reatest sports nation in the history of the world,” President welcomed U.S. at the White House on Monday to recognize their achievement in this summer’s Games in Paris.
鈥淭hank you for representing the very best of America,” Biden said on the South Lawn, hailing the athletes for setting the example for young people across the country. 鈥淭hey see you and they begin to believe in themselves,” he said.
Biden quipped that his staff were watching Team USA at the Olympics when he was trying to receive national security briefings, adding, “In fairness, I had the TV on in the Oval Office as well.鈥�
Biden recognized the Olympians who served in the country’s armed forces, and called for more support for all of the nation’s athletes.
鈥淲e need to do more to support all of our team USA athletes,” he said.
The president said he wasn’t permitted to attend the Paris Games because his presence would be too disruptive, but looks forward to attending the 2028 Olympic Games when the U.S. hosts in Los Angeles. 鈥淚 won鈥檛 be president, they can鈥檛 stop me from going there then,” he joked.
