PARIS –
Summer McIntosh and Ethan Katzberg have been named Canada’s flag bearers for the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics.
McIntosh became Canada’s first triple gold medalist and also won a silver medal in swimming.
The 17-year-old from Toronto set two Olympic records in the pool.
Canada’s Summer McIntosh of Toronto celebrates her gold medal won in the women’s 200m medley final during the 2024 Summer Olympics on Saturday, August 3, 2024, in Nanterre, France. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
Katzberg, of Nanaimo, B.C., took gold in the men’s hammer throw.
“The performance in the summer was a masterpiece; Three gold medals in one Games is an incredible achievement. “Another colossal achievement for Ethan, Canada’s first gold medal in the hammer throw and the first medal for the sport in 112 years,” said Canadian Olympic Committee Chief Sport Officer Eric Myles.
“These are two athletes who truly represent the values … of our Olympians and the competitive spirit that exists on Team Canada 2024.”
McIntosh, who set Olympic records in the women’s 200-meter butterfly (2:03.03) and women’s 200-meter individual medley (2:06.56), said: “I am so grateful for the opportunity to to be the standard bearer that represents this.” It is a great honor to hold the flag for Canada and I will wave it with pride.
Katzberg, who won gold by 4.15 meters – the largest margin of victory in the men’s hammer throw since Antwerp 1920 – said: “It is a great honor to be selected as one of Canada’s flag bearers for the closing ceremony. As a first.” As an Olympian, the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris have exceeded all my expectations.
“I will proudly carry the flag alongside Summer and am extremely grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Canada entered the final day of competition with 27 medals, including nine gold, a record for a non-boycotted Summer Games.
Sprinter Andre De Grasse and weightlifter Maude Charron were Canada’s flag bearers at the opening ceremony on July 26.
“Gamer. Introvert. Problem solver. Creator. Thinker. Lifelong food evangelist. Alcohol advocate.”