President Joe Biden presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to gymnast Simone Biles, one of this years 17 recipients to receive the nation’s highest civilian honor, during a ceremony at the White House on Thursday, July 7, 2022. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

President Joe Biden granted the Presidential Medal of Freedom to U.S. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles on July 7, along with the late John McCain and 15 others recipients. Grinning from ear to ear, the esteemed athlete was honored for both her copious accomplishments in gymnastics, and her advocacy work, shining a light on “mental health and safety, children in the foster care system, and victims of sexual assault,” per the White House. 

At just 25 years old, Biles is the youngest honoree in history. With 32 Olympic and World Championship medals already having made their way around her neck, it seems she has another to add to her bountiful collection.

As he introduced Biles, President Biden said in a quote acquired by TIME, “Today, she adds to her medal count,” going on to joke, “I don’t know how you’re going to find room.” 

U.S. President Joe Biden presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Simone Biles, Olympic gold medal gymnast and mental health advocate in Washington, DC. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Biles took to Instagram to express her profound gratitude. “Medal of Freedom 🎖 I’m so honored & thankful to be recognized as a recipient by President Biden for this prestigious award,” she wrote. “I still have no words. I’m shocked!”

Taking place in the East Room of the White House in Washington D.C., the ceremony honored individuals who have made the most commendable contributions to society. 

As a former foster child, the most decorated U.S gymnast of all time has made sure to champion children in the foster care system, donating clothing, school supplies, and more. 

Biles put her mind and body first when she dropped out of a portion of the Tokyo Olympics last year, citing that she wanted to work on her mental health. Receiving a great amount of backlash, Biles walked away better for it, prioritizing her own needs in the process. “Walking away from the Olympic Games was a win in itself,” she told author Brené Brown at this year’s Simmons Leadership Conference. “I know a lot of people thought I failed because they expected me to go out with five or six medals, but walking out of it was my biggest win.”

Biles was awarded alongside professional soccer player and activist Megan Rapinoe, gun-control advocate Gabby Giffords, Hollywood actor Denzel Washington, and posthumously, the cofounder of Apple Steve Jobs.