Katie Ledecky will cap off the 2024 Olympics in true patriotic style.
The four-time Olympian, who notched 4 medals on the Paris Games — two gold, one silver and one bronze — will carry the American flag on the closing ceremony on Sunday.
Compatriot and three-time gold medalist Bobby Finke shared the news with Ledecky via a FaceTime call, during which she appeared emotional.
“I just desired to thanks. You’ve been an enormous inspiration and leader to us for 12 years,” said Finke, who smashed the world record and snagged the gold in the lads’s 1,500-meter freestyle.
“I’ve gotten to know you these past 12 years, and I actually can’t consider anyone higher to steer us out of those Olympic Games.”
Brushing away tears, Ledecky, with assistance, placed on the Team USA Olympic jacket.
“Thanks Team USA, that is an honor. I can’t wait for the closing ceremony, and it’s been an honor representing our country here in Paris,” she said.
The American swimming phenom, who boasts 14 Olympic medals, is having fun with one other stellar Olympics showing, taking home gold within the 800-meter and 1,500-meter freestyle races, silver within the 4×200-meter relay and bronze within the 400-meter 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 captured gold as a member of the lads’s coxless 4 squad.
Mead, a two-time Olympian, earned his first Olympic gold medal and Team USA’s first within the event for the primary time since Rome 1960.
The 29-year-old will make history as the primary rower to steer the Americans as a flag bearer at a closing ceremony.
“Attempt to represent rowing as best as possible,” Mead said when he heard the news. “I feel first step: get a haircut.”
Ledecky and Mead were chosen during a vote amongst fellow Team USA athletes, which was led by the Athletes’ Commission, based on USA Today’s Christine Brennan, who posted the official email from the USA Olympic & Paralympic Committee on her X account.
American tennis pro Coco Gauff and basketball star LeBron James served because the country’s flag bearers on the opening ceremony on July 26.
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To look at every minute of the 2024 Olympics, look no further than Peacock. For $7.99/month, gain access and stream every event live from Paris, plus extras like highlights, Gold Zone, and more.
Wish to stream the Paris Olympics free of charge? Take a look at free trials of DIRECTV Stream (5 days) and Hulu + Live TV (3 days). Each include the networks you’ll need to observe the Olympics.
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The closing ceremony is about for 3 p.m. ET on Sunday and can air survive NBC and Peacock.
