Olympic athletes meet Barack Obama

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There's only one Casey Patterson! Photocredit: Casey Patterson Instagram

Now here’s not something you read every day: American beach volleyball stars meet President Obama!

That’s exactly what happened on Thursday to the athletes that represented the USA at this summer’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

And of course our favorite Team USA stars from the world of beach volleyball were in attendance to meet Barack Obama at the White House in the capital Washington DC.

All four American teams that qualified for the Copacabana made it along to the special event, including bronze medalist April Ross.

April was joined by Phil Dalhausser, Jake Gibb and Casey Patterson as well as Lauren Fendrick and Brooke Sweat – and the teams were more than happy to share their experiences on their social media feeds.

First up, here’s a rather amusing photograph of Phil taking time out to read a book in the White House library!

NBD...just reading a book in the White House library! What an amazing opportunity to meet President Obama, The First Lady, and Biden!! #whitehouse #olympian #athlete #beachvolleyball #athletesaresmarttoo #teamusa #thankful

See this Instagram photo by @phildalhausser * 3 likes

It was a busy and exciting day for all involved – and Lauren took it upon herself to guide her followers on Twitter and Snapchat through the day…We particularly lik the smiley team group selfie.

Lauren Fendrick on Twitter

Snapchatting our @TeamUSA visit!! (Username: LaurenFendrick)

Lauren Fendrick on Twitter

Amazing day in DC today. White House with @teamusa and special tours of American History Museum Mt. Vernon!! ❤️🇺🇸😱❤️

Here’s Casey showing off his skills of spinning a beach volleyball in the palm of his hand whilst leaning against the President. We’re sure that sentence has never been typed in world history.

When you get dumped by your partner but you timed the White House visit perfectly. 😎 📸: @sportsacademyhq #dreamteam #tokyo2020 #risewithsa #eaglesnest #sportsacademyhq #beachvolleyball #avpstrong

See this Instagram video by @caseypatt * 1,613 likes

April, who may or may not take part in the 2017 season – baby permitting – posted this on Instagram. Look at all of those pearly white teeth!

Just hanging at the White House, NBD. 🏛👨‍👨‍👧‍👧🏅

See this Instagram photo by @aprilrossbeach * 9,219 likes

And not to be outdone, here’s Brooke Sweat’s picture too! And judging by her comments she was pretty pumped to come face-to-face with the President!

POTUS just got to meet all of us! 😜🇺🇸 #TeamUSAinDC #WhiteHouse #USAbeach

See this Instagram photo by @brookesweat * 733 likes

Talking of the President, Mr Obama took center stage at the White House to deliver a number of speeches. Here’s the first where he pays tribute to American Olympians past and present. This is well worth a watch.

The White House on Twitter

@POTUS reflects on #TeamUSA Olympians who paved the way for a more inclusive Games and society:

And the President was certainly in the mood to give fist pumps to women who starred in Rio…

The White House on Twitter

2016 belonged to America's women Olympians. Ya'll crushed it." -@POTUS to #TeamUSA women athletes

President Obama on Twitter

Our Olympians and Paralympians show the world that no matter what, with perseverance, we can do incredible things. Proud of you, #TeamUSA.

What wonderful words – and what a wonderful way for our beach stars to end a long, hard season.