Golfing champion Annika Sörenstam on Tuesday defended receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Trump only one day after the deadly Capitol riot.
Speaking with Golf Channel reporter Steve Burkowski, Sörenstam said, “I’m not the one to second guess,” when explaining her decision to accept the medal a day after the unprecedented event that left five people dead.
“It’s just really all about the people who have received it through history. So, you know, I don’t want to spend any energy looking back. You know I like to spend energy looking forward, you know, continue to open doors, create opportunities for the young girls around the world,” said Sörenstam.
Burkowski pressed her, asking if she would have planned differently in hindsight.
“It’s all about opening doors, that’s one thing I’ve learned,” Sörenstam responded. “You know, I’ve heard from a lot of people — you can imagine — a lot of opinions, a lot of comments and you know I hear clearly what those people say. I know they see it differently, but you know I listen, and I embrace them all.”
Sörenstam’s comments come after legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick notably turned down the Medal of Freedom from Trump, citing the violent Capitol riot as a reason to defer the honor.
“Recently, I was offered the opportunity to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which I was flattered by out of respect for what the honor represents and admiration for prior recipients,” said Belichick when explaining his decision. “Subsequently, the tragic events of last week occurred and the decision has been made not to move forward with the award.”