Katie Ledecky and Nick Mead Chosen as Flagbearers for 2024 Olympics Closing Ceremony

Ledecky and Mead both won gold medals during the Paris Games

Two of Team USA's gold medal winners will carry the flag during the Aug. 11 closing ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Swimmer Katie Ledecky and rower Nick Mead, 29, have been chosen as flagbearers for the Paris Games, it was announced on Thursday, Aug. 8.

Ledecky was given the news by swimming teammate Bobby Finke. “I really can’t think of anybody better to lead us out of these Olympic Games,” he told Ledecky in a FaceTime call that aired Thursday on the Today show.

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“You’re making me cry,” Ledecky told him in response.

Mead, meanwhile, promised his teammates he would represent rowing “as best as possible.”

“I think first step? Get a haircut,” he joked.

In a statement provided by Team USA, Mead highlighted what an "incredible honor" it is to serve as flagbearer, noting that rowing has never had an athlete selected for the role.

"To share this privilege with Katie makes it all the more special," said Mead. "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, 27, similarly highlighted the opportunity as a once-in-a-lifetime moment: "I am so proud of this team’s accomplishments in Paris and excited to celebrate with my teammates on Sunday."

For the opening ceremony, tennis player Coco Gauff and NBA star LeBron James had flagbearer duties during the rainy boat parade along the Seine river.

The closing ceremony will move back into a stadium, Stade de France, which has served as the venue for many events these Games, including track and field.

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Mead and his men's four rowing team won gold in the event earlier in these games, breaking a 60-year drout.

Ledecky's also had a remarkable experience in Paris: she's officially the most decorated female American Olympian, with 14 medals.

"I try not to think about the history very much," she told reporters, including PEOPLE, after her win in the women's 1500-meter race. "So it's just an honor to be named among them. And I'm grateful for them inspiring me."

To learn more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, come to people.com to check out ongoing coverage before, during and after the games. And sign up for Going for Gold, our Olympics newsletter, to get the biggest stories from the Games delivered straight to your inbox. Watch the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, beginning July 26, on NBC and Peacock.

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