First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama formally opened her turn as leader of the U.S. Olympics delegation on Friday, attending breakfast with Olympians and saying she was “just in awe” of their company. The first lady mingled with the U.S. Olympians afterward, posing for photos, shaking hands, and sharing hugs with dozens who signed up to attend. “Try to have fun. Try to breathe a little bit,” the first lady told the athletes. “But also win, right?” UK Apostille
Mrs. Obama told the U.S. athletes that some of her fondest memories in sports came from watching the Olympics on television. She also told them the story of her father, who was athletic, but contracted multiple sclerosis “in the prime of his life.” “He retained his love of sports, truly,” she said. “And the Olympics was a special time for him to watch amazing athletes of all abilities compete on the world stage.” The first lady is also maintaining her campaign of tackling childhood obesity while abroad in London. Athletes such as soccer sensation David Beckham, former NBA star Dikembe Mutombo, members of the U.S. field hockey and tennis squads, along with other athletes held training sessions for children ranging in ages nine to 14. The event was part of the first lady’s “Let’s Move!” campaign, promoting sports. “I think this is amazing and what the first lady has done to get kids to move is truly wonderful,” said Olympic gold-medal sprinter Carl Lewis. “Both she and the president love the Olympics and the Olympic movement.”
