Katie Ledecky and Nick Mead Carry the U.S. Flag into the 2024 Olympics Closing Ceremony

Mar. 15, 2025

Nick Mead and Katie Ledecky.Photo:Arturo Holmes/Getty(2)

Arturo Holmes/Getty(2)

And just like that, the2024 Paris Olympicsare coming to a close.

OlympiansKatie LedeckyandNick Meadwere the tail end of the processional as they carried the U.S. flag into Stade de France arena in Paris on Sunday, Aug. 11.

As they walked, they spoke with NBC’s Closing Ceremony commentators, Jimmy Fallon and Mike Tirico.

“There’s a lot of countries in front of us, we’re the last ones to walk in so it’s pretty special since we’re headed to L.A. next,” Ledecky, 27, said.

Nick Mead and Katie Ledecky.Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

“It’s incredible. I’m so honored to be standing next to Katie to represent the U.S. and the sport of rowing as the first rowing flagbearer,” Mead, 29, added.

After all the countries' flag bearers walked in, the Olympians from each country, many wearing their newly-won medals, filled the edges of the stadium and began merging together.

Ledecky and Mead were announced as the selections to represent Team USA in the closing ceremony on Aug. 8.

“I am incredibly honored to represent Team USA as a flag bearer as we close our time in Paris together,” Ledecky said after the announcement in a statement to Olympics.com. “I am so proud of this team’s accomplishments in Paris and excited to celebrate with my teammates on Sunday.”

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Her victory in the 800-meter freestyle made her just the second swimmer to win four straight gold medals in the same event. The only other athlete to do so is Michael Phelps.

Katie Ledecky of United States.Photo Agency/Getty

Photo Agency/Getty

After he was selected as a flag bearer, Mead told Olympics.com, “It is an incredible honor to be selected as the flag bearer and to represent the United States and the sport of rowing, which has never had an American flag bearer in the history of the Olympics."

The gold medalist added that sharing the privilege with Ledecky “makes it all the more special.”

source: people.com