One of the few Australian stars to live up to expectations at these Games, rowing gold medallist Kim Brennan has been handed the honour of being Australia's flag-bearer for Sunday night's closing ceremony at the Maracana.
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The Australian Olympic Committee announced on Sunday afternoon that Brennan, 31, will follow on from cyclist Anna Meares, who carried the flag at the opening ceremony two weeks ago.
Brennan - formerly Kim Crow - won gold in the women's single scullsdespite having confronted "unrowable" conditions in the heats.
Having taken silver and bronze four years ago at the London Olympics, Brennan won one of Australia's eight gold medals in Rio.
Brennan said she was thrilled to have been afforded the opportunity.
"This is my third Olympic Games and it has always been a privilege to represent my nation. Getting this chance now to carry the flag, with my teammates who have all given their heart and soul into this campaign, is something you could only dream of," Brennan said.
"To lead this Team into the Maracanã will be my greatest honour."
The news follows Brennan's column for Fairfax Media in which she staunchly defended the performances of fellow Australian athletes against widespread criticism of their performance at these Games.
"I am vehemently protective of my teammates," Brennan wrote.
"Even in individual events, performance is about teamwork and the support networks around the athlete."
