Biles’ meeting with Efron led to a social media joke with her “Brazilian boyfriend” Arthur Nory Mariano, who jokingly told Efron to “back off” his “babe”.
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This change makes each country’s flag bearer all the more prestigious a title, which is why many viewers were left wondering, “Why isn’t Michael Phelps the USA flag bearer at the closing ceremony?”
The gymnast, who won four gold medals and one bronze medal during this year’s games, was named flag bearer for Sunday night’s show, becoming the first US gymnast to have the honor.
The closing ceremony also marked the end of an outstanding two weeks for the young gymnast where she created history.
Biles seems like she’s been on top of the world since winning five medals in Rio, especially after getting a shout out from the President himself.
“Athletes from various countries kept stopping Biles during the ceremony to take the flawless selfie with her”.
The only other US gymnast to serve as an Olympic flag bearer was Alfred Jochim, who did so at the Berlin 1936 Games’ Opening Ceremonies.
Such was the demand, it reported, the closing ceremony itself was delayed.
“I’m afraid the flag is going to be too heavy for me”, Simone said about being anxious for the closing ceremony.
The athlete, who stands at 4ft 8in (1.42m), was widely reported to be a little nervous about carrying a flag that was about twice her size.
“Phelps is so much taller and he seemed to carry it so easily, and I’m very short”.
Only three other gymnasts have won four gold medals in a single Games, most recently Ekaterina Szabo in 1984.
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Simone Biles might be the best known and decorated in the group, but her fellow gymnasts – Madison Kocian, Aly Raisman, Laurie Hernandez and Gabby Douglas – are also pretty damn incredible.
