Katie Ledecky will close out the 2024 Olympics in true patriotic style.
The four-time Olympian, who won four medals in Paris — two gold, one silver and one bronze — will carry the American flag during the closing ceremony on Sunday.
Fellow three-time gold medalist Bobby Finke broke the news to Ledecky via FaceTime, and she was visibly overcome with emotion.
“I just wanted to say thank you. You’ve been such an inspiration and leader to us for the last 12 years,” said Finke, who broke the world record to win gold in the men’s 1,500-meter freestyle.
“I’ve known you very well for the last 12 years and I can’t think of anyone better qualified to win the Olympics.”
Ledecky wiped away tears and was helped into her U.S. Olympic jacket.
“Thank you to the U.S. team. It’s an honor. I can’t wait for the closing ceremony. It’s an honor to represent our country in Paris,” she said.
The American swimming phenom, winner of 14 Olympic medals, had another impressive Olympic performance, winning gold medals in the 800m and 1,500m freestyle, silver in the 4x200m relay and bronze in the 400m freestyle.
2024 Paris Olympics
The honour will mark her first Olympic closing ceremony and the 27-year-old will carry the flag alongside American rower Nick Mead, who won gold as part of the men’s coxless four team.
Mead, a two-time Olympian, won her first Olympic gold medal and the first for the U.S. team in the event since the 1960 Rome Games.
The 29-year-old will make history as the first rower to lead the U.S. team as flag bearer in the closing ceremony.
“I’m going to try to represent rowing as best I can,” Mead said when she heard the news. “I think the first thing I’ll do is get a haircut.”
Ledecky and Mead were selected in a vote by Team USA athletes led by an athlete committee, according to a story posted by Christine Brennan of USA Today. Official Email She received an email from the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee on her X account.
At the opening ceremony on July 26, American professional tennis player Coco Gauff and basketball star LeBron James served as flag bearers for the country.
Stream the 2024 Olympics
If you want to watch every minute of the 2024 Olympics, Peacock is your best bet. For $7.99 a month, you’ll get live streaming of all the action from Paris, plus highlights and other perks. Gold Zonemore.
Want to stream the Paris Olympics for free? Try our free trials of DIRECTV Stream (5 days) and Hulu + Live TV (3 days), both of which include the networks you need to watch the Olympics.
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The closing ceremony is scheduled for Sunday at 3pm ET and will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock.
