Two gold medal winners from Team USA will carry the flag at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics on August 11.
Katie Ledecky, a swimmer, and 29-year-old rower Nick Mead have been selected as flagbearers for the Paris Games, as announced on Thursday, Aug. 8.
Ledecky received the information from swimming colleague Bobby Finke. “In a FaceTime call aired on Thursday on the Today show, he expressed to Ledecky that he truly believes she is the best person to guide us through these Olympic Games.”
What is the speed of Olympic race walkers?
“I’m getting emotional because of you,” Ledecky said in reply.
In the meantime, Mead assured his fellow team members that he would uphold rowing in the best way possible.
“What do you think is the initial step?” He made a joke about getting a haircut.
In comments from Team USA, Mead emphasized the “amazing privilege” of being chosen as flagbearer, pointing out the lack of rowing athletes who have had this role before.
“Mead stated that having Katie to share this privilege with makes it even more special.” The Paris Games have been a once-in-a-lifetime dream experience for me, and I am overwhelmed with pride, gratitude, and happiness. I want to express my gratitude to Paris and the whole of France for hosting such a wonderful event. I will hold onto these memories for eternity.
Ledecky, aged 27, also emphasized the chance as a unique moment: “I am extremely proud of the team’s achievements in Paris and can’t wait to celebrate with my teammates on Sunday.”
During the rainy boat parade along the Seine river, tennis player Coco Gauff and NBA star LeBron James carried out flagbearer duties for the opening ceremony.
The closing event will return to Stade de France, a stadium that has hosted various events during these Games, such as track and field competitions.
What is the monetary prize for Olympic medalists? Everything you need to know about the rewards for the champions.
Mead and his four rowing teammates achieved gold in the competition at the start of the games, ending a 60-year dry spell.
Ledecky also had an impressive achievement in Paris: she is now the most decorated female American Olympian, earning a total of 14 medals.
She shared with reporters, PEOPLE included, that she tries to avoid dwelling on the history after winning the women’s 1500-meter race. Being included among them is truly an honor. And I appreciate them for being a source of inspiration to me.