- Athletes rewarded for historic performances at Paris Games
- McKeown achieved feat never done before in 128 years of Olympic Games
- Wearn also achieved rare double after winning his event the hard way
They both dominated in the water at the Paris Olympics and now gold medal winners Kaylee McKeown and sailing star Matt Wearn will get the party started as flag bearers in the closing ceremony.
They will lead the Aussies out on Monday from 5am AEST after completing huge personal achievements at the Paris Games.
McKeown made history at the Paris Olympics by defending the 100m-200m backstroke gold medals she won at the Toyko Games.
Only one other athletes in the 128-year history of the Olympics has completed the double-double, Ukrainian Yana Khlockova who won the 200m and 400m medleys in 2000 and 2004.
She also became the first ever four-time individual gold medallist and at just 23 years old, there is more set to come at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
It was a performance that McKeown never dreamed of achieving.
‘Not in a million years, growing up,’ she said.
‘I’ve always just idolised my sister and Emily Seebohm, and seeing what they do in the sport. Then training alongside Emma McKeon as well – one of the greats in the sport – and being friends with Mollie [O’Callaghan].
‘I couldn’t ask much more, to be honest with you. Having that motivation and seeing those girls, not just the Aussie girls, but the whole world. Female sport has been unreal this year, and I’m just grateful to be a part of that.’
Kaylee McKeown became the first athlete to defend dual titles in the history of the Olympics
Wearn had to effectively win his sailing event twice after the first race was called off near the finish line because of wind conditions
Wearn had to take the hard road to earn his second gold medal in the men’s dinghy final after the first race was abandoned close to the finish, making him the first back-to-back Olympic champion in the event.
‘I was dreaming about one gold medal for such a long time,’ Wearn said.
‘But the last three years (I’ve) been dreaming about going back to back and it’s just phenomenal. The fact that no-one else has done it before probably shows how special it is.
‘And for me to be the first person to do that, it really hits home.’
Australian Chef de Mission Anna Meares said, ‘I am proud to select Kaylee McKeown and Matt Wearn as our Australian flag bearers for the Paris 2024 closing ceremony.’
‘Kaylee’s performances speak for themselves, to become Australia’s first four-time individual Olympic champion is extraordinary.
‘Her results are exceptional, but her character, her personality and her charm really resonate with what makes this Australian Olympic team so special.
‘Matt has shown incredible resilience to defend his Olympic title. Understanding the challenges he has overcome to be here in Paris, is a great testament to the athlete and person Matt is.
‘He is very humble, despite making Olympic history as the first man to win the laser class back-to-back.’
‘Congratulations to Kaylee and Matt, Swimming Australia, Sailing Australia, and the family, friends, teammates and supporters who have helped this pair become the athletes and people they are.’
