Simone Biles has been chosen as Team USA’s closing ceremony flag bearer!
The 19-year-old gymnast who won four gold and one bronze medal during the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics will be first out of the gate during the ceremonies on Sunday, August 21st.
“It’s an incredible honor to be selected as the flag bearer by my Team USA teammates,” Simone shared in a statement. “This experience has been the dream of a lifetime for me and my team and I consider it a privilege to represent my country, the United States Olympic Committee and USA Gymnastics by carrying our flag.”
She added, “I also wish to thank the city of Rio de Janeiro, and the entire country of Brazil, for hosting an incredible Games.”
After the Games officially conclude, Simone and The Final Five will start a media tour before starting the Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics Champions.
Connor Fields celebrates on top of the podium after winning the gold medal during the Men’s BMX Final at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The 23-year-old racer picked up the shiny medal and was in first place from the start of the race to the end.
“When they finally said ‘Olympic Champion’ and my name, it was just surreal,” Connor shared with Team USA. “There’s still sharpie in my garage. I can’t wait to take a picture with (this medal) right next to it. If only my 14 year-old self could see this now.”
He added, “I crossed that finish line and just dropped to my knees. I couldn’t believe it.”
The Netherlands’ Jelle van Gorkom won the silver medal and Colombia’s Carlos Alberto Yepes Ramirez won the bronze.
15+ pics inside of Connor Fields…
Laura Zeng twirls her colorful ribbon around her body during the Rhythmic Gymnastics Individual All-Around Qualification on Friday (August 19) at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
While the 16-year-old rhythmic gymnast didn’t make the final round — she wasn’t far off. In fact, she was just 0.141 away from making the final!
Laura placing 11th is actually an amazing thing because the USA hasn’t been that high on the leaderboard since Rhythmic Gymnastic’s inception into the Games in 1984! So, go Laura!
Laura is actually the supreme reigning champion of the 2015 Pan American Games, where she took home all five possible individual rhythmic gymnastic gold medals
Emma Fuhrmann sports her custom Team USA swim cap in these shots from her social media accounts.
The 14-year-old Blended actress teamed up with USA Swimming and their #swimunited campaign to cheer on the team at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, where history was definitely made these past weeks.
Not only did Michael Phelps claim his 23rd gold medal, Katie Ledecky grabbed four golds while breaking her own record and Simone Manuel became the first African-American woman to win an Olympic gold medal.
“Can you ever be too inspired? #swimunited #swimtoday #usaswimming @usaswimming,” Emma shared on Instagram with one of the pics.
Check them all out below!
Laurie Hernandez snaps a selfie on the beach with teammate Madison Kocian and rhythmic gymnast Laura Zeng.
Laura, 16, who got in a little beach time with Laurie and Madison before they left, will be competing for Team USA for rhythmic gymnastics which start TODAY!
While Laura is the individual rhythmic gymnast competitor, Team USA also has a group of five who will also be competing.
Alisa Kano, Natalie McGiffert, Monica Rokhman, Kiana Eide and Kristen Shaldybin are the members of the group; and Jennifer Rokhman, Monica‘s twin sister, is the alternate.
The group also got the chance to meet the artistic gymnasts including silver medalist Danell Levya and football player Dhani Jones.
10+ pics inside of Team USA’s Rhythmic Gymnasts…
The two USA Gymanstics teams come together for a giant group photo during the Order of Ikkos Ceremony at the USA House at Colego Sao Paulo on Wednesday (August 17) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Final Five — Gabby Douglas, Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Madison Kocian, Laurie Hernandez — spoke at the ceremony where they also presented medals to their coaches.
Danell Leyva and Alex Naddour also did the same with their coaches, alongside teammates Chris Brooks, Sam Mikulak, and Jacob Dalton after they competed in the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics.
You’ll also find pics of Laurie performing in the Gymnastics Gala earlier in the day.
Check out the video below!
Zac Efron hangs out with friends poolside at his hotel on Wednesday (August 17) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The 28-year-old Neighbors 2 actor flew to Rio to support team USA during the Olympics.
PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Zac Efron
Zac landed in Rio earlier this week to surprise Simone Biles and the girls of the US gymnastics team and congratulated them on their big wins in Rio.
After relaxing at his hotel, Zac attended a basketball game where he shared a selfie supporting team USA.
“US all day #rio2016,” Zac captioned the below Instagram pic.
20+ pictures inside of Zac Efron relaxing in Rio… More Here! »
