American artistic gymnast Simone Biles had a humbling encounter with a flight attendant after being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
With 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, the 25-year-old is the most decorated American gymnast in history.
She was apparently on a flight home after being presented with the highest civilian honor by President Joe Biden when a flight attendant mistook the 4 feet 8 inches tall gymnast for a child and gave her a coloring book.
Umm, Thanks?
The Olympic champion joked about the situation on social media, writing:
"Not the flight attendant trying to give me a coloring book when I board. I said, 'No, I'm good. I'm 25.'"
People had plenty to say about the misunderstanding.
Some people would have gladly accepted the offer.
Some were shocked the flight attendant didn't recognize the star gymnast.
Others found her situation relatable.
On Thursday, Biles was one of 17 people–alongside soccer star Megan Rapinoe–to be presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Democratic President Joe Biden.
It is awarded to people with "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."
Biles is also the youngest to receive the honor.
"Today, she adds to her medal count," he said while introducing Biles and joked about how he didn't know how she was "going to find room" with all of her other distinguished accolades.
Biles is recognized as an advocate for athletes' mental health, foster care children, and sexual assault victims.
Many fans supported her after she prioritized her mental health and pulled out of the women's team final during the Tokyo Olympics last year, citing that the "mental's not there."
At a news conference about her decision to withdraw, Biles stated:
"I just felt like it would be a little bit better to take a back seat, work on my mindfulness. And I knew that the girls would do an absolutely great job."
She added:
"I say put mental health first. Because if you don't, then you're not going to enjoy your sport and you're not going to succeed as much as you want to."
"So it's OK sometimes to even sit out the big competitions to focus on yourself, because it shows how strong of a competitor and person that you really are — rather than just battle through it."
