Barack Obama once tried to match the athleticism of Simone Biles. After the 2016 Rio Games, the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team was hosted at the White House, with the former President keen to showcase his flexibility. Michelle Obama, however, was quick to give her husband a reality check.

Biles was invited alongside “The Final Five” and Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps. Before his speech, Obama tried performing splits with Biles and the rest of her gymnastics quintet — Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, and Madison Kocian.

Almost succeeding, he joked about doing a floor routine with Biles.

“I want you to know that I was going to do, like, a floor routine on the way out with Simone," he said, as reported by GymnasticsDigest. "But we decided it was a little too crowded.”

As the crowd erupted in laughter, Michelle Obama chimed in with a jab.

She quipped, “And he can’t touch his toes.”

The former President couldn't help but concede the retort.

During the event, Obama applauded the achievements of American women at the 2016 Olympics and acknowledged that this would be his last hosting before his term ended.

Biles, meanwhile, noted him as quite "normal." With world leaders often coming across as larger-than-life figures, it can be tough to see them as fellow human beings.

A point Biles was keen to point out, before recalling the White House couple's dynamic while getting a picture with her.

“I think we forget that they’re normal," she recalled. "He and Michelle were bickering back and forth about who was getting in the picture (with me).”

During his speech, Obama specifically noted Biles and commended her performance. She finished as the only American to win four gold medals in gymnastics at an Olympic Games.

Biles' Olympic performances brought her to the White House, but this wouldn't be her last visit.

Biles' second visit to the White House and LA Olympics hopes

Simone Biles returned to the White House in July 2022. This time, to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the US. She became the youngest person ever to receive the award at 25.

Former President Joe Biden bestowed the award on Biles in the White House and praised her as “a trailblazer and a role model.” In addition to acknowledging her 32 Olympic and world championship medals, he also highlighted her advocacy for mental health.

The 29-year-old has been an outspoken figure in conversations surrounding mental well-being and has cited its relevance to future competitive endeavors.

When recently asked about the LA Olympics in 2028, Biles teased an appearance but was quick to note her priorities.

"Mental health plays a big role in it," she told CNN Sports. "Because, physically, my coaches will get me in shape."

With Biles still testing the waters, it remains to be seen if she wants to add more glory to her already trophy-laden career.

Read more at the Gymnastics Digest!

Written by

Sebi Mehta

Edited by

Sijo Paul