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President Obama Calls the US Squad

August 2, 2012 at 11:03 AM ET by Matt Compton

Summary:

President Obama congratulates the U.S. women's gymnastics team -- as well as the greatest Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps.

President Barack Obama talks on the phone with members of the U.S. Olympic women's gymnastics team (August 1, 2012)

President Barack Obama talks on the phone with members of the U.S. Olympic women's gymnastics team during a phone call from Air Force One, Aug. 1, 2012. The President called the women to congratulate them on their gold medal in the team competition. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Obama took time yesterday to congratulate some of America's newest Olympic gold medalists -- as well as the greatest Olympian of all time.

While traveling in Ohio, the President placed calls to the five members of the U.S. women's gymnastic team -- Aly Raisman, Jordyn Wieber, McKayla Maroney, Kyla Ross and Gabby Douglas.

He also spoke with Michael Phelps, who picked up his record-breaking 19th Olympic medal - a gold -- on Tuesday night.

Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters that he had a chance to watch some of the competition in London with the President -- including the gymnastics competition.

"[President Obama] remarked that it is astounding what they are capable of doing and the pressure they are under and the fact that any mistake, any single mistake can cost you everything on a stage like the Olympic Games," Carney said.