It's been quite the year for Rochester native Gia Doonan. After earning a spot on the United States Olympic team, the Tabor Academy rower competed in Tokyo in the 2021 Summer Games.

In fact, Doonan conducted an interview on Michael and Maddie live from the balcony of her Olympic Village apartment.

While her rowing team's results at the Olympics weren't 100% what she had hoped and dreamed for, it goes without saying that Gia and the entire team made all of our fellow Americans extremely proud.

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Included in that group of proud Americans was the staff at the White House and, specifically, the vice president of the United States.  Kamala Harris hosted the party to honor the Olympians who gave their hearts and souls, training for years to represent our country.

Gia Doonan with Vice President
Courtesy of Liza Doonan
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Here is Gia getting a pep talk from the vice president. She is also pictured on the right holding hands with Harris.

Before the meet and greet, Gia had the chance to take this video. The music was so uplifting and magical. It really set the mood.

Between signing autographs for some of the kids, Gia also got some one-on-one time with outgoing Press Secretary Jen Psaki.

Gia Doonan at White House
Courtesy of Liza Doonan
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It seems like they were really swinging from the rafters at the gala. And why not? It's not every day the Vice President gets a chance to meet true blue Olympians!

In her interview with Fun 107 after the Olympics, Doonan told Michael and Maddie she had aspirations to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games.

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Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.

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