Reviving the Presidential Fitness Test
On Thursday, former President Donald Trump planned to reintroduce the presidential fitness test for America’s children. A White House official indicated that his intention was to inspire “a new generation of healthy, active citizens”. The move involved enlisting prominent athletes to help promote the initiative.
Executive Order to Reinstate Fitness Assessment
Trump’s strategy involved signing an executive order to bring back the old fitness test. For years, this test had encouraged American children to perform 40 push-ups, 10 pull-ups and run a 6.5-minute mile, among other requirements. Successful completion of these tasks could earn them a Presidential Physical Fitness Award. However, this test was phased out by the Obama administration in 2012, who replaced it with a program that focused more on overall health than athletic prowess.
Fighting Declining Health with Traditional Fitness Approach
The unnamed official stated that Trump’s aim was to battle the widespread decline in health and physical fitness. His plan was to reinstate a proven approach that celebrated the exceptionalism of America’s sports and fitness traditions.
Addressing Crisis Levels of Unhealthiness
The official cited “crisis levels” of obesity, poor nutrition and inactivity as the key reasons for this move. “These trends weaken our economy, military readiness, academic performance and national morale,” they noted, highlighting the importance of a physically fit populace.
High-Profile Athletes Join the Cause
A number of well-known athletes pledged their support to Trump’s initiative, agreeing to serve on the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition. This team included professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau, who was appointed as the council’s chair. Other athletes present at the signing included the controversial NFL kicker Harrison Butker, WWE’s Paul “Triple H” Levesque, golfer Annika Sorenstam, and football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor.
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