Article courtesy of The West Australian.
Gold medallists Matt Wearn and Kaylee McKeown will be Australia’s flag-bearers at the Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday.
They both made history in Paris.
McKeown, right, became Australia’s first four-time individual gold medallist when the swimmer defended her 100m and 200m backstroke titles, while Wearn, left, was the first sailor to successfully defend the Olympic men’s dinghy title.
McKeown will return from a post-competition family holiday in Croatia, while Wearn is in Paris with his Belgian wife Emma, also an Olympic sailor.
Royal Perth Yacht Club commodore Janet Hornbuckle said the club was “immensely proud” of Wearn.
“We’re very proud of what he’s achieved throughout the course of all his sailing career, but particularly so now because he’s got his second gold medal in the laser class,” Dr Hornbuckle said.
“For his achievement to be recognised with the honour of carrying the flag in the closing ceremony, I’m just so proud for him.”
She said the club, where Wearn is a member, had been confident he would win the gold medal again.
“His ability on the water has been proven time and time again,” Dr Hornbuckle said.
Canoe and kayak slalom champ Jess Fox and hockey veteran Eddie Ockenden were the Australian flag-bearers at the opening ceremony.
