Obama calls gold medal women's gymnastics team

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- President Obama called the U.S. women's gymnastics team to congratulate them on winning the team gold medal at the London Olympics, an aide said Wednesday.

Obama was on the campaign trail in Ohio.

White House press secretary Jay Carney told reporters aboard Air Force One Obama spoke to Aly Reisman, Jordyn Wieber, McKayla Maroney, Kyla Ross and Gabby Douglas, in that order.

Carney said the president told Reisman, "Michelle and I have watched and decided of all the Olympians you guys amaze us the most."

He told Wieber: "I'm so impressed by how you bounced back and led the team. Tell your parents I'm proud of them too. I don't think I could watch if I were them."

An impressed Obama told Maroney: "Way to nail that vault. It was unbelievable."

He remarked to Ross how she was "really steady," adding, "I was impressed by how cool you were. I don't know how you do what you do, especially the balance beam."

Obama told Douglas: "You just tore it up. I know how hard you worked to get there," adding, "Keep at it. Stay cool."

Also, the president tweeted U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps to congratulate him on winning a record 19th Olympic medal.