Michelle Obama Greets U.S. Athletes at London Olympics
It’s doubtful that Barbara Hutton, the former Countess of Reventlow, envisioned this when she donated her London mansion to the U.S. government after World War II.
On the day of opening ceremonies for the Summer Olympic Games here, the vast green of stately Winfield House was transformed into a giant Olympic-themed playground where first lady Michelle Obama brought her campaign for healthy living and offered her support for the U.S. team.
Before jogging into the backyard of what is now the U.S. ambassador’s residence, Obama at a breakfast for American Olympians urged them to “have fun.”
“I’m so inspired by you and am in awe of what you all have achieved,” Obama said. “Try to have fun; try to breathe a little.”
The first lady said the London Games marked her first trip to the Olympics, adding that she brought greetings from a nation “that will be rooting for you every day.”
Obama, who is leading the U.S. delegation to the opening ceremonies, said she’ll spend the next two days as a spectator, cheering on the U.S. team in person at venues across the city.