For Team USA, the Rio Olympics will be bookended by a pair of G.O.A.T.s.
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Biles became the first American gymnast to capture four gold medals (team all-around, vault, floor exercise, individual all-around) and also added a bronze medal (beam) during her stint in Rio. According to ABC, she has been chosen to lead Sunday’s closing ceremony, thus making history as the first usa gymnast to act as flag bearer in a closing ceremony, and the first female gymnast for either the opening or closing ceremony.
Track and field athlete Bryshon Nellum carried the flag into the 2012 London Olympics.
The honor makes Biles the second gymnast ever to serve as flag bearer and first since 1936.
Michael Phelps was the American flag bearer for the opening ceremony. A female gymnast has the opportunity to win six Olympic medals (team, all-around and four apparatus).
Once the Games end on Sunday, Biles and the Final Five are headed to NY for a media tour before embarking on a 36-city Kellogg’s Tour. She was chosen by a vote from other Team USA members.
The 19-year-old is coming off a five-medal performance at the Olympic Games.
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The Closing Ceremony can be watched on NBC or streamed online at NBCOlympics.com at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 21.
