Obamas talk about Olympics, Team USA
President Obama favors sprinting and his favorite Olympian accomplished his feats well before he was born. First lady Michelle Obama said she’d like to be gymnast --- despite her 5-foot-11 frame – if given a chance.
Holding cue cards, the Obamas asked and answered Olympic-related questions in a White House video posted this week.
President Obama listed Jesse Owens as his favorite Olympian, even though Owens won four gold medals (and showed up the Nazis) at the 1936 Berlin Games. Obama was born in 1961
“It has to be Jesse Owens, even though it was a little before my time,” Obama said.
Michelle Obama chimed in: “A little bit. That much though.”
“When you think about not only being the fastest man in the world, but you’re doing it in front of the Nazis,” President Obama continued, “Sending a clear signal about what America stands for: the equality of all human beings. Pretty powerful stuff.”
Oama called the 200-meter sprint is his favorite Olympic event.
“The 100 is a great race, but it’s over too quick,” Obama said. “With the 200, you can see them coming around curve. Michael Johnson when he was running the 200 in those gold shoes…”
Her height aside, Michelle Obama said she’d pick gymnastics if given the choice to purse an Olympic sport.
“I am not built for gymnastics. Clearly,” Michaelle Obama said. “I’m a little too tall, but thy are phenomenal. If I could flip like that, I would do it in heartbeat.”