When President Donald Trump announced during the 2026 State of the Union address that Team USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, it instantly raised a question beyond sports: What is this award - and who has gotten it before?
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is often associated with cultural icons, civil rights leaders, public servants, and scientific pioneers. But on occasion, it has also gone to athletes whose influence reached beyond the game. Here's what the honor means and a helpful list of notable past recipients.
What the Presidential Medal of Freedom Is
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is widely regarded as the highest civilian honor in the United States.
According to a Congressional Research Service (CRS) overview, the medal is awarded by the president to recognize a person who has made an "especially meritorious contribution" to at least one of the following:
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The security or national interests of the United States
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World peace
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Cultural or other significant public or private endeavors
The CRS notes that the honor is often used to recognize lifetime achievements in areas like public service, science, and the arts - though recipients can come from many fields. There is no formal nomination or selection process required, and the president has broad discretion in choosing recipients. (CRS Report R47639)
Where the Award Came From (Quick History)
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1945: President Harry S. Truman created the original Medal of Freedom to honor civilian service during wartime.
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1963: President John F. Kennedy re-established and renamed it as the Presidential Medal of Freedom, shaping the award into the modern form recognized today. (CRS Report R47639)
The medal can also be awarded in a higher form known as "with distinction." (CRS Report R47639)
How Many People Have Received It?
The CRS report states that between 1963 and 2025, the Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded 674 times to 671 individuals and one group (the Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team). Two individuals received it twice: Ellsworth Bunker and Colin Powell. (CRS Report R47639)
A public-facing, administration-by-administration list is also compiled on Wikipedia: List of Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients. (Wikipedia)
Why Connor Hellebuyck Is in the Conversation
Trump's announcement came after Hellebuyck helped lead Team USA to Olympic gold, with multiple outlets reporting on the president's decision to honor him with the award. ESPN noted it is believed Hellebuyck would be the first hockey player to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. (ESPN, Feb. 24, 2026)
Who Has Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom Before? (Notable Names)
The award has gone to presidents, pop culture legends, civil rights pioneers, scientists, faith leaders, entrepreneurs, and athletes. Below is a reader-friendly list of notable recipients (not exhaustive) pulled from the official-recipient record compiled publicly. (Wikipedia; CRS overview)
Notable Athletes Who Have Received It
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Jesse Owens
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Joe DiMaggio
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Jackie Robinson
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Muhammad Ali
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Michael Jordan
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Tiger Woods
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Simone Biles
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Megan Rapinoe
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Katie Ledecky
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Babe Ruth (posthumous)
Civil Rights and Human Rights Icons
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Rosa Parks
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Martin Luther King Jr. (posthumous)
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John Lewis
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Dolores Huerta
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Medgar Evers (posthumous)
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Harvey Milk (posthumous)
Entertainment, Music, and Culture
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Walt Disney
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Aretha Franklin
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Oprah Winfrey
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Steven Spielberg
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Bob Dylan
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Tom Hanks
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Denzel Washington
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Meryl Streep
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Frank Sinatra
Science, Technology, and Innovation
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Stephen Hawking
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Katherine Johnson
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Vint Cerf
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Bill Gates
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Steve Jobs (posthumous)
Politics, Diplomacy, and Public Service
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Colin Powell (two-time recipient)
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Sandra Day O'Connor
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Madeleine Albright
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John Glenn
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George H.W. Bush
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Bill Clinton
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Joe Biden (with distinction)
For the complete administration-by-administration record, the Wikipedia list provides a long-running roster, while the CRS report provides totals and policy background. (Wikipedia; CRS Report R47639)
How It's Chosen (And Why It Can Be Controversial)
Because the selection process is largely at the president's discretion, the medal can reflect a president's personal priorities and worldview. The CRS report explains there is no formal procedure for nominations or evaluations required by law or policy. (CRS Report R47639)
That flexibility is part of what gives the award its prestige - and also why recipients often attract strong public attention.
