"My visit to the #Olympics has been incredible!" First Lady says after watching Team USA demolish France..."He is so jealous of me right now," First Lady Michelle Obama said of her husband on her first day in London, when asked if President Obama might make a surprise visit to the Olympic Games to catch some of the action. The President didn't hop the pond, but he would have been even more jealous on Sunday: Mrs. Obama handed out hugs to every member of the US Men's National Basketball team after cheering them on in their first outing against France. As Team USA exited the court to a wild ovation for their 98-71 demolition derby, they were led by LeBron James to where the First Lady sat courtside with Delegation member Gabriel Diaz de Leon, a Gold medal Paralympian in javelin. (Above: Mrs. Obama hugs James)
The showstopping game was Mrs. Obama's final Olympic event in London. (Above: Mrs. Obama with Kobe Bryant)"My visit to the #Olympics has been incredible! Thank you to the UK and all the athletes for inspiring us all. Go Team USA! –mo," the First Lady wrote on the @LetsMove Twitter account just before departing the UK.
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The President played about two hours of hoops on Saturday at the FBI headquarters in Washington, but he had nothing on James, who starred on the court for about 25 minutes of the 40 minute Olympic game. Team USA member Chris Paul, an NBA All-Star who plays for the Los Angeles Clippers, is a member of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition and he also stood on line to huge Mrs. Obama, who wore a gray top, a gray cardigan, and white slacks as she cheered for the team. The unstoppable men's team is expected to win Gold, of course.
Even Team USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski and the coaching assistants got hugs from Mrs. Obama. Rookie Anthony Davis, the center and the youngest American basketball player, brought up the end of the line of sweaty and triumphant players. (Above: Mrs. Obama with Krzyzewski)"I would say Michelle Obama is ‘the First Fan’ here in London,” NBC Sports Network announcer Bob Fitzgerald said as the members of the squad stood in line for their hugs. "The President is a huge basketball fan."
Brunch at Winfield House...
The First Lady's Sunday began with a closed-press brunch held at Winfield House, the historic Regent's Park mansion that is home to US Ambassador Louis Susman. Guests included the U.S. Olympic Committee, U.S. Olympic alumni athletes and Team USA supporters. Mrs. Obama had a closed-press meet & greet with US embassy staff following the event.
Before departing London, Mrs. Obama met with US service members and their families stationed at the RAF's Mildenhall Air Force Base. (Above: Mrs. Obama watches the game with Diaz de Leon, right)On Saturday, Mrs. Obama had tea with Mrs. Samantha Cameron before watching tennis superstar Serena Williams win her first match at Wimbledon. Later she watched Team USA members compete in swimming events. Back home in the US, it was Let's Move Olympic Fun Day.
Ahead of the Opening Ceremony on Friday, Mrs. Obama joined Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace for the Olympic Head of Government Reception. The First Lady began her day with a breakfast for Team USA at the London training facility for US Olympians, followed by her first-ever Let's Move! event on foreign shores. Held at Winfield House, Mrs. Obama and 2,000 kids were joined by Olympians and other sports heroes as they participated in fitness activities during Let's Move! London.
Related: The First Lady takes Let's Move! global with Olympic co-branding
*Top photo and Diaz de Leon photo by Sonya N. Hebert/White House; others by Getty; video via DeadAssFilms
