Shortly after his 80th birthday, Arnold Palmer became the 141st recipient of the Congressional Gold medal. President Barack Obama set the seal on one of America’s highest honors in a special ceremony in Washington, D.C.

President Obama signs the Arnold Palmer Gold Medal Act

The White House has been almost like a second home for Arnold Palmer over his years as a sporting icon,but his latest visit to the seat of power came on Wednesday, September 30 when President Barack Obama signed into law the Congressional Gold Medal honoring the golf legend.

The award made Palmer the first sports person in history to receive all three of the United States’ highest civilian honors, including the National Sports Award from Former President Bill Clinton in 1993 (a one-time award) and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Former President George W. Bush in 2004.

“I don’t know that I’ve done anything to deserve it, but I accept,” Mr. Palmer said. “That’s pretty fantastic. It’s pretty good stuff, quite overwhelming.”The Congressional Gold Medal was first given to George Washington in 1776 and to 141 exemplary Americans since. “I didn’t know George Washington,” Palmer said with a grin. “But if I did, I would shake his hand and say, ‘You’re the first, and I won’t be the last.’”

Palmer was the fifth athlete to receive the honor from Congress, which is considered the highest expression of national appreciation for achievements and contributions. Byron Nelson is the only other golfing recipient of the medal which was bestowed upon him posthumously in 2006.

The Arnold Palmer Gold Medal Act, H.R. 1243, was introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (D-California). It was passed first by the House of Representatives in April and then unanimously passed by the Senate on Mr. Palmer’s 80th birthday on September 10.

U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-Florida), sponsored the Senate bill nominating Mr. Palmer for the medal. Such bills must be co-sponsored by at least two-thirds of the members of the House and 67 in the Senate before even being considered in the respective chambers.

“Arnold Palmer is a legend and a giant among golfers,” said Rep. Baca. “Arnold elevated the game of golf both at home and abroad, and is respected across the globe. He won 92 championships in professional competition, but even more significant he is an exemplary American who always gave back to others.”