Katie Ledecky will cap off the 2024 Olympics in true patriotic style.
The four-time Olympian, who notched four medals at the Paris Games — two gold, one silver and one bronze — will carry the American flag at 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 wanted to thank you. You’ve been a huge inspiration and leader to us for 12 years,” said Finke, who smashed the world record and snagged the gold in the men’s 1,500-meter freestyle.
.@katieledecky answers the call 🫡
The 14x Olympic medalist receives the news from @Robert_Finke that she’ll be one of Team USA’s flag bearers at the Closing Ceremony. 🇺🇸#ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/bvTYp1eHxv
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) August 8, 2024
Katie Ledecky receives the call from teammate Bobby Finke. @TeamUSA/X
“I’ve gotten to know you these past 12 years, and I really can’t think of anyone better to lead us out of these Olympic Games.”
Brushing away tears, Ledecky, with assistance, put on the Team USA Olympic jacket.
Bobby Finke during the call with Katie Ledecky. @TeamUSA/X
Katie Ledecky puts on her Team USA jacket. @TeamUSA/X
“Thank you Team USA, this 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 enjoying another stellar Olympics showing, taking home gold in the 800-meter and 1,500-meter freestyle races, silver in the 4×200-meter relay and bronze in the 400-meter freestyle.
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The honor 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 men’s coxless four squad.
Mead, a two-time Olympian, earned his first Olympic gold medal and Team USA’s first in the event for the first time since Rome 1960.
The 29-year-old will make history as the first rower to lead the Americans as a flag bearer at a closing ceremony.
“Try to represent rowing as best as possible,” Mead said when he heard the news. “I think first step: get a haircut.”
Nick Mead made history as a member of the first U.S. men’s four rowing team to win Olympic gold since 1960.
Now, he’ll make even more history as the first rower to lead Team USA as one of our flag bearers at the Closing Ceremony. 🇺🇸#ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/4cBLXz4s6T
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) August 8, 2024
Ledecky and Mead were selected during a vote amongst fellow Team USA athletes, which was led by the Athletes’ Commission, according to USA Today’s Christine Brennan, who posted the official email from the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee on her X account.
American tennis pro Coco Gauff and basketball star LeBron James served as the country’s flag bearers at the opening ceremony on July 26.
The closing ceremony is set for 3 p.m. ET on Sunday and will air live on NBC and Peacock.
