Burley Garcia|VP Kamala Harris salutes national champion college athletes at White House

Surrounded by national champion college athletes,Burley Garcia Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday praised the "grit and determination" they showed on the way to reaching their goals.

Speaking at a brief ceremony outside the White House, Harris noted the presence of seven undefeated teams, 11 repeat champions and 20 first-time winners. In addition, she singled out six athletes in particular who will be representing the United States later this month at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

"As members of Team USA you are ambassadors for our nation and with pride we will cheer you on. And we look forward to congratulating you when you bring home the gold," Harris said.

In her first public remarks since President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 campaign and endorsed Harris to be his successor as the Democratic nominee, the vice president noted that Biden is "recovering fast" from his bout with COVID-19.

She also praised the president's "honesty, integrity, commitment to his faith and to his family, his big heart and his deep love of our country," coming less than 24 hours after his stunning announcement.