Gold medallist USA's #11 Joel Embiid celebrates on the podium after the men's Gold Medal basketball match between France and USA during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena in Paris on August 10, 2024. (Photo by Damien MEYER / AFP) (Photo by DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty Images)DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty Images

Photo: Joel Embiid Honored By Cameroon After Olympic Gold Medal Win with Team USA

Paul KasabianAug 15, 2024

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid was honored by his home country of Cameroon with the Medal of Commander of the Order of Valor after winning an Olympic gold medal with Team USA.

Per TMZ Sports, Cameroonian president Paul Biya gave Embiid the honor, which is awarded to people who make "exceptional contributions in the fields of arts, science, agriculture, commerce, or industry."

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Embiid was born in Cameroon and lived there until he was 16, when he moved to the United States to pursue a basketball career.

As a pro, Embiid has made seven All-Star games and earned the 2022-23 NBA MVP. He's also a two-time scoring champion who has guided Philadelphia to seven postseasons.

Embiid had the option to represent Cameroon, the United States or France but ultimately chose the USA.

The Americans went 6-0 in the Olympics, capping their gold medal run with a 98-87 victory over host country France.