The Equestrian Olympic athletes that represented the United States in Athens this year had the extraordinary opportunity to meet the President and First Lady at the White House. Following a tradition started with President Gerald Ford, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush greeted the athletes in style on Monday (Oct. 18). The event was sponsored by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) on behalf of all of the members of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams.

Representatives of the U.S. Equestrian teams got a front row seat on the balcony during the ceremony at the South Portico of the White House. Team members present included eventing team members Kim Severson, Amy Tryon, Darren Chiacchia, and John Williams, dressage team member Debbie McDonald, and Paralympic Dressage team member Keith Newerla. United States Equestrian Federation team leaders Jim Wolf, Sally Ike, Marilyn Adams, and Mary Lutz were also in attendance.

The President gave a short speech welcoming all of the athletes and family members as well as Olympic Chef de Mission Herman Frazier and Paralympic Chef de Mission Jeanne Piccariello of the USOC. He mentioned some of the notable statistics from the Games and thanked all of the athletes for the lasting memories that were created. 

“With millions watching, you showed the best values of America,” President Bush said. “You made us all proud and I want to thank you for being such fine ambassadors of our nation to the world