Tiger Wood receives the US Presidential Medal of Freedom

US golf athlete Tiger Woods has been awarded the US highest civilian honour, the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Donald Trump in an award ceremony that took place at the White House on Monday 6th May 2019.

Trump described Woods as “one of the greatest athletes in the history of sports” while Woods called the honour an “incredible privilege.”

Speaking on the occasion, the US president referred to the golf star as “a great person…  a great guy.”

“He inspired millions of young Americans with his thrilling wire-to-wire victories. Tiger Woods is a global symbol of American excellence, devotion, and drive,” Trump says. “We can’t wait to see what’s next, Tiger. There are no winners like you.”

Woods, 43, who was the first African-American, as well as the youngest golfer to win the Masters, won his fifth title in April after dealing with personal and professional adversity, thus ending an almost 11-year wait for a title.

Woods, in his speech, tells his family: “You’ve seen the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, and I would not be in this position without all your help. I’ve battled, I try to hang in there, and I’ve tried to come back and play the great game of golf again.”

He would later express his gratitude to supporters on Twitter, with the hope that the award will “inspires others to never give up on their dreams.”

“It’s an incredible privilege to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Considering the recipients, history, and what this means to me and my family, it’s also very humbling. Thank you all for your support and I hope this inspires others to never give up on their dreams.”

It’s an incredible privilege to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Considering the recipients, history, and what this means to me and my family, it’s also very humbling. Thank you all for your support and I hope this inspires others to never give up on their dreams. pic.twitter.com/33CJIHwQvz

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) May 7, 2019