Talking to the press on Saturday, Biles acknowledged the honor might pose significant challenges.
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Her remarkable achievements meant she was designated to carrying the American flag during the closing ceremony of the games on Sunday evening. She’s the second American gymnast to carry the flag in an opening or closing ceremony after Alfred Jochim marched with the American flag during opening ceremonies at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, according to The Huffington Post. Alfred Jochim was the previous gymnast who was a flag-bearer for the United States team in 1936.
The games in Rio shattered several records and introduced a new generation of Olympic stars like Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky and Fu Yuanhi. Now, 80 years on, Biles made history when she was given the opportunity.
Biles won gold medals in team, all-around, vault and floor exercise at the Rio Games, her first Olympic appearance.
The 19-year-old dominated the gymnastics events at the Olympics. She also won bronze for the individual beam.
Her success here only added to the consensus that she’s the best gymnast of her time and probably the best ever.
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The closing ceremony of the 2016 Olympics has started in the iconic Maracana Stadium with a festive celebration featuring dancers dressed in colorful costumes.
