Simone Biles chosen as USA flag bearer for closing ceremonies

RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Team USA will have the greatest gymnast in the world serve as its flag bearer Sunday for the closing ceremony.

Simone Biles, 19, won four gold medals and one bronze medal for Team USA in Rio de Janeiro. Her five total medals were tied for second most overall for any athlete at the Summer Games, behind Michael Phelps' six.

Track and field athlete Bryshon Nellum carried the flag into the 2012 London Olympics.

"It's an incredible honor to be selected as the flag bearer by my Team USA teammates," Biles told TeamUSA.org. "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. I also wish to thank the city of Rio de Janeiro, and the entire country of Brazil, for hosting an incredible Games."

The honor makes Biles the second gymnast ever to serve as flag bearer and first since 1936. That year, gymnast Alfred Jochim carried the flag at the closing ceremony. Phelps carried the American flag into the opening ceremony and lead Team USA into the Parade of Nations.

"WOW speechless/Blessings just keeps coming/What an honor to be chosen as US Flag Bearer- Proud of you - love Mom," Biles' mother Nellie Biles wrote on Twitter Saturday.

Biles is the most decorated U.S. female gymnast of all-time with 14 world championships. The closing ceremony is set for 8 p.m. Sunday on NBC or at NBCOlympics.com.