The last time a world champion chose to skip out on a meeting with President Barack Obama, it was for political reasons. Boston Bruins goalie and staunch conservative Tim Thomas boycotted the traditional White House ceremony because he disagreed with the direction of the government.
Now, another athlete is turning down an invitation to Washington D.C., but not because of his politics. While the majority of the 2012 Olympians and Paralympians will gather at the White House on Friday for a special reception with President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, one gold medalist has other plans.
TMZ is reporting that swimmer Tyler Clary, who won gold in the 200-meter backstroke in London, will miss Friday's Olympic summit at the White House because he will be in Fontana, Calif., testing race cars.
Clary, who has a passion for cars and would one day like to be a professional driver, is testing cars this week and attending the MAVTV 500 IndyCar on Saturday.
Unlike Thomas, Clary has not made his political beliefs public. But if he's into racing, Mitt Romney probably wants his vote.
