Former congressman and Olympic runner Jim Ryun was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a White House ceremony with President Donald Trump on Friday.
The award is the nation’s highest civilian honor. It is awarded by the president to individuals who have made significant contributions to America’s security or national interests, world peace, or to public or private endeavors that are cultural or significant.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom has been awarded to individuals from a variety of different fields including public service, medicine, journalism, entertainment, and business.
Trump praised Ryun for his accomplishments and acknowledged him as a reflection of America’s values.
“Jim has personified the greatness of our country throughout his life, whether he was running on a track race or whether he was doing anything there was, running an office, or running for office,” Trump said.
He added, “He was always the top person, people respected him more.”
Watch his comments below:
Trump called Ryun a “giant of American athletics, a dedicated public servant, and a man of charity, generosity, and faith.”
Ryun took to the podium to express his appreciation for the award and offered praise to Trump for his leadership.
He called Trump “one of the greatest Republican presidents.”
Ryun went on to thank Trump for his service.
“Mr. President, thank you for your loving and serving this great Republican country. May God continue to bless you and your family with this piece, thank you again for this great honor,” Ryun said.
Ryun has made several notable contributions to the world of athletics and politics.
He broke the world record for the mile after he made the track team at Wichita East High School and went on to compete in the 1964 Olympic games.
Ryun broke more world records during his time at the University of Kansas. He won the silver at the 1968 Mexico City Games and later competed in the 1972 Munich games.
Following his athletic career, Ryun represented Kansas’s 2nd Congressional District from 1996 to 2006.
