Gold medallists Kaylee McKeown and Matt Wearn confirmed as Team Australia flag bearers at closing ceremony in Paris

Swimmer Kaylee McKeown and sailing champion Matt Wearn have been rewarded for their victories at back-to-back Olympic Games with this special honour.

The 23-year-old McKeown put in an incredible performance to defend her title in the women’s 100m and 200m backstroke finals in the pool. She also won three more medals: silver in the 4x100m individual medley and two bronzes in the 200m individual medley and 4x100m mixed medley.

Wearn, 28, also tasted gold again when he repeated his efforts from Tokyo and also won the men’s laser class in Paris.

Both athletes will lead Team Australia at the closing ceremony in Paris, which takes place on Monday morning at 5am AEST.

Team Australia Chef de Mission Anna Meares said she was “proud” to select McKeown and Wearn as flag bearers for the ceremony.

“Kaylee’s achievements speak for themselves, to become Australia’s first four-time individual Olympic champion is extraordinary. Her results are exceptional but her character, her personality and her charm really resonate with what makes this Australian Olympic team so special,” Meares said.

“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 humble, despite making Olympic history as the first man to win the laser class back-to-back.

“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.”

Australian canoeist Jess Fox and hockey veteran Eddie Ockenden had the privilege of carrying the flag at the opening ceremony two weeks ago.

Fox then went on to produce another memorable Olympic campaign by winning gold in both the Women’s Slalom C-1 and Women’s Slalom K-1.

Ockenden and his Kookaburras reached the knockout stages of the men’s hockey tournament after finishing third in their group, but were knocked out in the quarter-finals by the Netherlands.