Team USA has fans in high places. US President
Barack Obama tweeted congratulations to swimmer Michael Phelps on his
record-smashing medal count and called the women's gymnastics team
from Air Force One, the White House said Wednesday.
Obama tuned in Tuesday to watch Phelps break the record for most
Olympic medals and see the gymnasts snag gold in the team event, the
first US group win since 1996, spokesman Jay Carney told reporters.
"Congrats to Michael Phelps for breaking the all-time Olympic
medal record. You've made your country proud," Obama wrote on
Twitter.
Phelps responded, "Thank you Mr. President!! It's an honor
representing the #USA !! The best country in the world!!"
Obama was on his way to campaign events in Ohio Wednesday, but
took time to call the five gymnasts from his plane, speaking with
each woman individually. At a campaign rally, he said he had also
spoken with Phelps.
"Now, let me just say, I know how to run - although I don't run as
fast as these guys. I know how to swim - although I don't swim as
fast. These gymnasts, I don't understand what they're doing," Obama
joked. "I cannot even walk on a balance beam. They're doing back
flips and - little, itty-bitty young ladies. Unbelievable. So we
could not be prouder of them."
