Trump awards medal of freedom to former congressman, Olympian Jim Ryun

President TrumpDonald John Trump Pelosi says Trump’s decision to reverse the fair housing rule is a “betrayal of our nation’s founding values.” Trump says he would consider pardons for those involved in the Mueller investigation. Fauci says he and his family have experienced “serious threats” during the pandemic. MORE On Friday, he presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former Congressman and decorated runner Jim Ryun during a ceremony at the White House.

The president praised Ryun’s conservative record as a legislator and his sporting achievements, calling him a “giant of American athletics” and a “dedicated public servant.”

“Jim has personified the greatness of our country throughout his life. Whether he was running in an athletics race, whether he was doing something, running … for office, he was always the best person. People have respected. ” said.

Ryun was named Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year in 1966 and set records for the mile and 1,500 meters in 1967. He won a silver medal at the 1968 Olympics.

After spending time as a motivational speaker and organizing runner training camps, Ryun got into politics by running for Congress in 1996. He was elected to represent the 2nd Congressional District of Kansas in 1996. He won reelection four times before be defeated in 2006. He ran again in 2008 but lost in a Republican primary.

Ryun, who had an unconditionally conservative voting record while in Congress and beat protesters during the national anthem, praised Trump during the ceremony.

“You are doing a great job, keep it up. We need four more years,” Ryun said.

Overall, Trump has honored prominent conservatives and athletes with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during his time in office. Previous recipients in the past three years have included the former senator. Orrin HatchOrrin Grant HatchMellman: Roberts rescues right? DACA remains in place, but dreamers are still in limbo. (R-Utah), conservative economist Arthur Laffer, pitcher Mariano Rivera, golfer Tiger Woods, and racing executive Roger Penske.