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Swimmer Katie Ledecky and rower Nick Mead, two of Team USAs gold medal winners, have actually been named as the flagbearers for Team USA at the closing event of the 2024 Olympics on Sunday, August 11.
The news was announced on Thursday, August 8, by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). The event will include the city of Paris handing over the summertime video games baton to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Olympics.
The four-time Olympian is the most embellished American woman in any sport at the Olympics and the most decorated female swimmer of all time, with a total of 14 medals
. @katieledecky answers the call & #x 1fae1;
The 14x Olympic medalist gets the news from @Robert_Finke that shell be one of Team USAs flag bearers at the Closing Ceremony. & #x 1f1fa; & #x 1f1f8; #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/bvTYp1eHxv
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) August 8, 2024
The closing ceremony, set up to begin at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, will be held at the Stade de France, which has actually functioned as the place for numerous occasions during these Games, consisting of track and field.
“I actually cant believe of anybody much better to lead us out of these Olympic Games,” he informed Ledecky throughout a FaceTime call. “I cant wait for the closing event. Its been an honor representing our nation here in Paris, and Im so proud to be a part of this team.”
Nick Mead made history as a member of the very first U.S. maless four rowing team to win Olympic gold since 1960.
Now, hell make even more history as the first rower to lead Team USA as one of our flag bearers at the Closing Ceremony. & #x 1f1fa; & #x 1f1f8; #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/4cBLXz4s6T
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) August 8, 2024
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Ledecky did not participate in the opening event on July 26, where LeBron James and Coco Gauff were the flagbearers for Team USA, due to her competition schedule starting the following day. She will be signed up with by Mead, a 29-year-old two-time Olympian who made his first medal as part of Team USAs gold medal-winning mens four– the first U.S. gold in case considering that the 1960 Olympics.
In a declaration offered by Team USA, Mead highlighted what an “unbelievable honor” it is to serve as flagbearer, keeping in mind that rowing has never ever had actually an athlete chosen for the function.
” To share this privilege with Katie makes it all the more unique,” said Mead. I likewise wish to thank the city of Paris and the entire nation of France for hosting an unbelievable Games.
The 27-year-old swimmer, well-deserving of the honor, received the news from her colleague Bobby Finke. “I truly cant consider any person better to lead us out of these Olympic Games,” he told Ledecky during a FaceTime call. She was noticeably moved, responding with an “oh” before tearing up.
” Youre making me cry,” Ledecky responded.
” This is a substantial honor,” she added. “I cant wait on the closing ceremony. Its been an honor representing our nation here in Paris, and Im so proud to be a part of this team.”
” To share this privilege with Katie makes it all the more unique,” stated Mead. I also want to thank the city of Paris and the whole nation of France for hosting an amazing Games.