Michael Phelps Fans Are Furious Simone Biles Got Medal Of Freedom From Biden But Phelps Did Not Despite Simone Withdrawing From Olympics
President Joe Biden is flailing about as his poll numbers crater and his VP Kamala Harris underperforms in even the friendliest interviews. He gave the medal of freedom to Simone Biles, Megan Rapinoe, and 15 more people at the White House and even that caused controversy for Biden.
Many Americans were disappointed that swimmer Michael Phelps was not on the list but Rapinoe, who has protested the country, and Simone Biles, who quit during the Olympics, got one.
According to the White House, Biles’s selection was based on more than her accomplishments in sports and that she helped move the conversation around mental health forward. Michael Phelps fans were not buying it:
“OK so then where is Michael Phelps CMF Jenny Thompsons, Darragh Torres, Natalie Coughlin, Allyson Felix. Katie Ledecky and others. She is a quitter.
“She let down the country and her team and did nothing, absolutely nothing to receive such a high honor as a CMF”
“Simone Biles: An Olympic athlete who didn’t bother participating in the majority of her events in 2021. *Gets Medal of Freedom* Michael Phelps: Gets 28 medals over 4 Olympic games. Didn’t withdraw from a single event. *Gets nothing*”
“Maybe you should catch up on the fact that she quit on her team and Michael Phelps has been everything that an American athlete should ever be.
“We’re awarding a quitter. But that’s part [sic] for the course for a generation that gives trophies to kids who come in fifth place”
“To specify: Simone Biles medals: 7 Michael Phelps medals: 28 Simone Biles Golds: 4 Larissa Latynina Golds: 9 22 other gymnasts have more medals than Simone Biles.
“Once again, must be fun to run your mouth with made-up facts. What world do you people even live in?”
“Simone Biles is a personal friend of Obama‘s. Why can’t Olympians like Michael Phelps get one too?
“Michael Phelps is one of the best swimmers of his generation who has enjoyed many milestones in his career.
“He won 28 Olympic medals and is the most decorated Olympian of all time.”
“I do believe Michael Phelps has spoken out about metal [sic] health way before Simone and she wasn’t the first girl to speak out against abuse in her sport That said she is an amazing young lady very accomplished So both of you are right so let’s agree when we can.”
Michael Phelps is more deserving.
— James Carter (@pimanjc) July 9, 2022
To specify:
— DSlim (@deckham) July 9, 2022
Simone Biles medals: 7
Michael Phelps medals: 28
Simone Biles Golds: 4
Larissa Latynina Golds: 9
22 other gymnasts have more medals than Simone Biles.
Once again, must be fun to run your mouth with made up facts. What world do you people even live in?
Maybe you should catch up on the fact that she quit on her team and Michael Phelps has been everything that an American athlete should ever be. We’re awarding a quitter. But that’s part for the course for a generation that gives trophies to kids who come in fifth place
— LordSoth (@LordSothKotL) July 7, 2022