It was the first time members of Team USA who competed in the most recent Summer and Winter Games had been welcomed to the White House since the outbreak of Covid-19. The group included competitors from the Summer Games in Tokyo and Winter Games in Beijing.
“I’m sorry you had to wait that year,” Biden told the athletes, “between the time it was set and time you got here. I mean, you’ve been through so damn — darn much,” he said, correcting his language to loud applause and laughs.
Ultimately, the games took place, but without spectators — an unprecedented moment for the Olympics.
While the Beijing Winter Olympics earlier this year did allow a limited number of fans to attend, the competition took place in a closed-loop system informally known as a “bubble” — as the Omicron variant of the coronavirus continued its rapid spread.
During both games, the rules “made training and competing especially difficult and draining,” Biden acknowledged Wednesday.
“But you did it. You all did it,” he told the athletes. “We’re in awe not just to your incredible athleticism but your endurance and your state of mind, but most of all your character — you have such incredible character.”
“No matter what event you compete in, you draw inspiration from your work — your hard work, your courage, your discipline — as you watch it,” Biden continued. “You represent the very soul of America.”
The President also joked about his own athletic prowess, saying it was a good thing “the Lord didn’t come down and give me a choice between being President and Olympian.” He said he had dreams, “and they weren’t about being President, they were being about a great athlete.”
“You think I’m kidding?” he said. “I’m not.”