Barack Obama

“ In a time of challenge around the world, let’s appreciate the peaceful competition and sportsmanship we’ll see, the hugs and high-fives and the empathy and understanding between rivals who know we share a common humanity. ”

“ 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. 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. ”

“ 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. ”