Paris Olympics: Gold medallists rewarded with Kaylee McKeown and sailor Matt Wearn chosen as flag bearers for closing ceremony

They were both superior in the water at the Paris Olympics and current gold medallists Kaylee McKeown and sailor Matt Wearn will open the festivities as flag bearers at the closing ceremony.

They will lead the Aussies from 5am AEST on Monday after putting in huge personal performances at the Paris Olympics.

McKeown made history at the Paris Olympics by defending her gold medal in the 100-200 meter backstroke that she won at the Tokyo Games.

Only one other athlete in the 128-year history of the Olympics has completed the double-double: Ukraine’s Yana Khlockova, who won the 200m and 400m medley in 2000 and 2004.

She also became the first ever four-time individual gold medalist and at 23 years old, there is more on the agenda at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

It was an achievement McKeown had never dreamed of.

“Never in a million years, as a child,” she said.

‘I’ve always idolized my sister and Emily Seebohm and what they do in the sport. And then I also trained with Emma McKeon – one of the greats in the sport – and was friends with Mollie [O’Callaghan].

“I can’t ask for much more, to be honest. To have that motivation and see those girls, not just the Australian girls, but the whole world. The women’s game has been unreal this year and I’m just grateful to be a part of it.”

Kaylee McKeown became the first athlete in Olympic history to defend her double title

Wearn effectively had to win his sailing event twice after the first race was cancelled close to the finish due to wind conditions

Wearn faced a tough road to claim his second gold medal in the men’s dinghy final after the first race was stopped just short of the finish, becoming the first consecutive Olympic champion in the event.

“I’ve been dreaming of one gold medal for so long,” Wearn said.

“But for the last three years I’ve been dreaming of 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 the fact that I’m the first to do that really touches me.’

Australian chef 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 achievements speak for themselves. It is extraordinary to become Australia’s first four-time individual Olympic champion.

‘Her results are exceptional, but her character, her personality and her charm really reflect 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 that Matt is.

‘He is very modest, despite making Olympic history as the first man to win the laser class twice in a row.’

‘Congratulations to Kaylee and Matt, Swimming Australia, Sailing Australia and the family, friends, teammates and supporters who have helped this duo become the athletes and people they are.’