Katie Ledecky, the most decorated American female Olympian ever, was selected yesterday by Team USA to serve as a U.S. flag bearer and lead her fellow athletes during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. The closing ceremony will take place at 3 p.m. EST on Sunday, Aug. 11.
"I am incredibly honored to represent Team USA as a flag bearer as we close our time in Paris together,” said Ledecky in a statement. “I am so proud of this team’s accomplishments in Paris and excited to celebrate with my teammates on Sunday.”
In late July and early August, Ledecky, a Catholic native of Bethesda, Maryland and a graduate of the Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, swam into the history books, earning four more Olympic medals – two gold, one silver and one bronze – during several women’s freestyle swim races, bringing her total medal count to 14 won in four consecutive Olympic games.
Catherine Ronan Karrels, the Head of Stone Ridge School, expressed her pride and joy for Ledecky’s most recent and distinct honor, an achievement during the Olympics that extends well beyond the sport of swimming.
“I am so happy for Katie that she was selected by Team USA for this honor. As she carries the flag in closing ceremonies, our nation can take great pride not only in her athleticism, but in her leadership,” she said. “In addition to competing like a champion, I have been inspired while watching Katie serve in her role as one of the swim team captains during these games.”
Karrels recently returned from attending the Paris Olympics where she cheered on not only Ledecky, but Phoebe Bacon and Erin Gemmell as well, who made up an unprecedented trio of Stone Ridge alumnae Olympian swimmers.
“The media captured so many moments of Katie cheering for teammates, supporting younger athletes, and celebrating with the community,” Karrels said. “Katie's heart of gold matches her large collection of gold medals and accomplishments. And when the games are over and we all return to our list of ‘things to do,’ we can take inspiration from her to set goals, work hard, and persevere."
On Thursday, Aug. 8, Ledecky received a FaceTime phone call from her Team USA swimming teammate Bobby Finke, who told her she had been chosen by her fellow athletes to be one of the flag bearers, along with Nick Mead, who made history as a member of the first U.S. men's four rowing team to win Olympic gold since 1960.
On her Instagram page, Ledecky posted a video of her becoming emotional and holding back tears as she received the news from Finke and was presented with a new Polo jacket to wear for her special duties during the closing ceremony. “I can’t think of anyone better to lead us out of these Olympic games,” said Finke.
"Thank you, Team USA," Ledecky said. "This is a huge honor. Can't wait for closing ceremonies and it's been an honor representing our country here in Paris. And I'm so proud to be a part of this team.”
