Obama congratulates Boston Marathon winner

President Obama on Monday congratulated Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi, the first American in 31 years to win the iconic race.

“Congrats to @RunMeb and @Shalane Flanagan for making America proud!” Obama tweeted after the race Monday. “All of today’s runners showed the world the meaning of #BostonStrong.”

{mosads}Flanagan, the fastest American woman in today’s race, finished in seventh place.

White House press secretary Jay Carney added today that he wanted to congratulate Keflezighi “on behalf of the president and everyone here at the White House.”

“Quite an accomplishment — and a great year to do it,” Carney said.

Keflezighi, who finished in 2 hours, 8 minutes, 37 seconds, won the race 371 days after twin explosions at the finish line cut the 2013 marathon short and left three people dead. Last week, Obama issued a statement marking the anniversary of the tragedy.

“We also know that the most vivid images from that day were not of smoke and chaos, but of compassion, kindness and strength: A man in a cowboy hat helping a wounded stranger out of harm’s way; runners embracing loved ones, and each other; an EMT carrying a spectator to safety,” Obama said.

“Today, we recognize the incredible courage and leadership of so many Bostonians in the wake of unspeakable tragedy. And we offer our deepest gratitude to the courageous firefighters, police officers, medical professionals, runners and spectators who, in an instant, displayed the spirit Boston was built on — perseverance, freedom and love.”