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Biles told reporters Thursday that Biden had commended her for her courage in speaking out on tough issues.

\"It was really exciting to hear that and to know that my hard work is paying off ... he said that's why they chose me,\" she said.

After the Tokyo Olympics, Biles said the experience taught her to stand up for herself, telling New York Magazine last year, \"I learned a lot about myself -- courage, resilience, how to say no and speak up for yourself.\"

On Thursday, Biles said she hopes other young women will take away from her Presidential Medal of Freedom that it is important to \"speak up.\"

\"I think it will really teach them that ... you can do anything you put your mind to,\" Biles told reporters. \"And just to speak up and use your platforms, be authentic to yourself and stay true to yourself and just go out there and have fun in whatever your adventure is.\"

With additional reporting by Molly Nagle.

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