Jill Biden cheers on Team USA''s Olympic athletes over Zoom from Tokyo

First lady Jill Biden cheered on Team USA over Zoom Friday from the U.S. ambassador's residence in Tokyo, Japan in advance of attending Friday night's Olympics opening ceremony.  

'I want to thank each person who helped you be here today. Now those years of work, the drive and faith that have kept you going, have led you here. Congratulations,' Biden said, sporting a white, blue and red USA jacket over a white Michael Kors dress and looking into a camera. 'Becoming an Olympian is a rare accomplishment in a normal time. But you did it during a global pandemic.'

Behind her shoulder was a large TV showing the faces of Team USA's athletes.   

'For most of you, the journey to Tokyo began long, long ago. It likely started at a young age. The first time you picked up a ball or jumped in the water. The first ride that made you feel really free. Or when the backflip you thought was impossible suddenly wasn't,' Biden said. ' 

'You've given up so much to be here. You've sacrificed time with friends and pushed yourself harder than you thought you could,' she continued.

'Your journey was supported by dedicated parents and siblings, grandparents and cousins, friends, classmates and, of course, the coaches that guided you along the way to Tokyo,' Biden added. 

The first athlete she spoke to was Eddy Alvarez, a baseball player and a short track speed skater. 

He's a flagbearer this year.

'Thank you so much, I love seeing you – you must be so excited!' she said giggling.

She then spoke to Sue Bird, a basketball player and flagbearer.

'You are one amazing woman,' Biden said.

She then spoke to Allison Schmitt, a four-time Olympic swimmer and mental health advocate. 'I think it's an even bigger honor that you're not just FLOTUS, but you're a Dr. Jill Biden,' Schmitt said.

'I'm so looking forward to watching you compete and as a teacher I think what you're doing is so important in that area of mental health because I know that a lot of students as they return back to school this fall are going to need a little help,' Biden said.    

Schmitt said she's currently doing her master's.

'Go for the doctorate,' Biden encouraged. 

Biden also told the athletes they were more 'than our cities or states or backgrounds.'

'We are more than our jobs or are political parties,' she said. 

'We are Team USA,' she said. 'We'll be watching!' she encouraged the athletes.

Afterward she told reporters, 'it was emotional' after seeing the Olympians. 'It meant a lot to me. And to Joe. It should be exciting to watch the events,' she said. 

'Thank you for your help,' she told her staff and embassy staff who put the Zoom call together.   

'Am I allowed to shake hands?' she asked the staff, giving out elbow bumps instead. 'Just pretend these are hugs,' she said. 

Earlier Friday, the first lady returned to the Akasaka Palace Friday morning to spend time with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's wife Mariko. 

Mariko Suga had prepared an incense workshop for Dr. Biden, where the first lady would smell difference fragrances and put together a small scented satchel.     

With COVID on the rise in Tokyo, both women wore masks - but appeared sans shoes, as is culturally appropriate. They sat down at two desks with plexiglass shield attached to protect the lecturer, who spoke in Japanese and wore a light yellow kimono. 

Biden was guided through the fragrances - sandalwood, then cinnamon - briefly taking off her mask to take a big whiff. 

'Oh that's strong, that wakes you up, right?' Biden said when smelling Palo Santo, a South American scent named for 'tree of God,' after the resin-rich heartwood used in incense in churches, which was described as slightly sweet. 

Biden wore a grey trench-length blazer adorned with a pearl pin, that was a gift from Mrs. Suga when her husband visited the White House solo in April.   

Later Friday, Biden will meet virtually with Team USA's athletes before heading to the Imperial Palace to an event with Emperor Naruhito. 

She will attend the opening ceremony of the Tokyo summer Olympics Friday night.  

The first lady arrived in Japan Thursday afternooon ahead of Friday's opening ceremony for the 2021 summer Olympic Games, which have already been plagued by a spike in COVID cases.

She wore see-through nylon slippers for dinner at Akasaka Palace with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and his wife, Mariko Suga.  

The trio posed for a photo-op with reporters, with Biden wearing a $2,832 silk floral Tom Ford dress with a modest mid-length hem, a feminine pussy-bow collar, and a waist-cinching belt for the occasion. 

Like the Prime Minister and his wife, Biden took off her shoes inside, as is custom, and was seen wearing only a pair of skin-tone nylon no-show socks. She also covered up with a simple black face mask.

The Japanese people and their guests have a tradition of taking off shoes for home meals to show respect and promote cleanliness. They also sit on tatami mats instead of chairs while eating.

On Friday, Biden is set to hold a virtual briefing with members of Team USA before meeting with Emperor Naruhito of Japan at the Imperial Palace. 

The trip to Tokyo marks the first lady's first solo trip abroad since her husband came into office in January.

Biden arrived amid continued concerns about holding the Games over the surge in COVID, with Tokyo virus cases hitting a six-month high on Wednesday.  

The first lady embraced COVID precautions upon meeting Prime Minister Suga, but also as she arrived at Yokota Air Force Base earlier today.

Disembarking the plane, she waved at reporters in a custom red Narciso Rodriguez dress that she had previously worn on a visit to Central Florida in June, as well as a white floral mask that she had first worn on inauguration night. 

She was tested - along with staff, press and Secret Service - for COVID-19 on board Executive One Foxtrot between Anchorage, her first stop, and Japan.      

She and only one other American, U.S. Embassy Tokyo official Raymond Greene, are the only two members of the official presidential delegation for the Games.