Annika Sorenstam defends accepting Presidential Medal of Freedom one day after US Capitol riots



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Ten-time major winner Sorenstam said she was not going to “question” by accepting the honor on Jan. 7.

“I like to look forward, not to expend energy on what could have been,” Sorenstam told Golf Channel when asked if she would act any differently in hindsight.

“It’s about opening doors. This is something that I learned.

“I’ve heard a lot of people. You can imagine a lot of opinions, a lot of comments and I clearly hear what these people are saying. I know they see it differently. But I listen to them and I embrace them all. . “

Sorenstam has won 10 major titles during his professional career.

Sorenstam also called the Capitol Riots a “dark day in American history” and added that she “shares (s) the sadness and fear with everyone”.

The 50-year-old received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor, earlier this month along with nine-time major champion Gary Player.

“Babe” Didrikson Zaharias, winner of 10 major titles and two Olympic gold medals at the 1932 Games, also received the honor posthumously.

“I have always viewed it in the context of the people throughout history who have received it,” said Sorenstam, who added that she was originally intended to receive the award in March 2020.

“As you know, it started in 1963 and it’s a pretty impressive list of people … whether it’s science or art, entertainment or sports.

“And it’s really about the people who make this world a better place.”

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick turned down the honor earlier this month, citing the “tragic events” on Capitol Hill.
The PGA of America also announced that it has canceled plans to play in the 2022 PGA Championship at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey, saying it would be “damaging” to the organization’s brand.

The Trump Organization called the decision “a breach of a binding contract and they have no right to terminate the agreement.”

Swedish-American Sorenstam, considered one of the game’s greatest players, retired from the sport in 2008 and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2003.

Last December, she was elected President of the International Golf Federation, the body responsible for organizing golf competitions at the Olympic Games.

“I received massive support from the International Golf Federation,” she said.

“I will continue to be involved in the development of golf around the world, creating opportunities, opening doors and as President of the International Golf Federation, it is about promoting golf as a sport at Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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