As one NBC commentator put it, “they’re trying to get a Biles smile”. Unlike the opening ceremony, athletes file in altogether after the parade of flag bearers and not necessarily separated by country.
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With a strong finish Sunday that featured three gold medals, the USA also matched its record of 46 golds away from home established in London four years earlier.
Simone Biles, the best gymnast in the world and first female gymnast to win four gold medals in a single Olympic games, was selected to be the flag bearer for the United States.
It’s been a very eventful Games for first-time Olympian Biles, who won four gold medals and one bronze for artistic gymnastics this month. Alfred Jochim was the previous gymnast who was a flag-bearer for the USA team in 1936.
Making her task even more hard, a wave of athletes stopped Biles to take selfies. Biles scored the gold for the team all-around, individual all-around, vault individual, and floor exercise individual routine.
On Saturday, Biles acknowledged serving as flag bearer could prove challenging.
“As she entered a stadium full of flashing lights, Biles – only 4’8” tall – seemed to struggle with the flag as she marched alongside representatives from 206 other nations.
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“Athletes from various countries kept stopping Biles during the ceremony to take the ideal selfie with her.” the magazine reported.
