List of athletes who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom: From Tiger Woods to Lionel Messi, honorees across U.S. history
President Donald Trump announced on February 25, 2026, that he plans to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Olympic gold medalist Connor Hellebuyck. The medal, created in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, is the nation’s highest civilian honor. Over time, legends like Jesse Owens, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, and Simone Biles have also received it.
President Donald Trump announced on February 25, 2026, that he plans to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Olympic gold medalist Connor Hellebuyck. The medal, created in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, is the nation’s highest civilian honor. Over time, legends like Jesse Owens, Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, and Simone Biles have also received it.
