Katie Ledecky, Nick Mead Named USA Flag Bearers for 2024 Olympics Closing Ceremony

After becoming the most decorated American athlete in Olympics history, Katie Ledecky will be one of the two flag bearers for the United States during the closing ceremony on Sunday.

Team USA announced on Thursday that Ledecky and gold-medal-winning rower Nick Mead will lead the U.S. congregation to close out the Paris Games.

Ledecky won four more medals at the 2024 Olympics, bringing her career total to 14. She is the fifth-most decorated athlete in Olympic history and second among all U.S. athletes, trailing only Michael Phelps (28).

The Stanford alum won gold in Paris in the 800-meter and 1,500-meter freestyles. She won the 1,500 meters with an Olympic-record time of 15:30.02 and finished more than 10 seconds ahead of silver-medalist Anastasiya Kirpichnikova (15:40.35).

Ledecky also won silver as part of the U.S. women's 4x200-meter freestyle relay team and bronze in the 400-meter freestyle. Having already compete in four Olympics dating back to 2012, she is eyeing a return to the pool in four years for the Los Angeles Games.

"I've been consistent over these last few months, and last few years, in saying that I would love to compete in LA," Ledecky told reporters on July 31. "And that hasn't changed."

Mead won his first Olympic medal in 2024. He was part of the U.S. men's team that won the coxless four on Aug. 1. It marked the first time Team USA medaled in this event since 2012 and first time winning gold since 1960.

"To share this privilege with Katie makes it all the more special," Mead said in a statement about being named a U.S. flag bearer. "My experience at the Paris Games has been the dream of a lifetime and I'm filled with immense pride, gratitude and joy. I also wish to thank the city of Paris, and the entire country of France, for hosting an incredible Games. I'll cherish these memories forever."

Ledecky and Mead will carry the U.S. flag to wrap up the Summer Games after LeBron James and Coco Gauff served as flag bearers during the opening ceremony.

The 2024 Olympics closing ceremony will take place on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET. The event is expected to feature several celebrity appearances as Paris will handover the baton to Los Angeles in anticipation of the 2028 Games.