The U.S. flag bearers for the Paris Paralympics Closing Ceremony will be swimmer Ellie Marks and wheelchair basketball player Paul Schulte.
Marks, a three-time Paralympian, and Schulte, a four-time Paralympian, were voted by other American athletes to be the flag bearers. The duo will be the first Americans ever to share the honor of being flag bearers for a Paralympic Closing Ceremony.
“It’s an absolute honor to carry our nation’s colors, be nominated by this incredible team and get to represent our community,” Marks said in a statement. “Sport has saved so many lives, mine included. Long before the idea of medals we all fell in love with the camaraderie and fun of these sports. I hope the Closing Ceremony can be a celebration of that love — for sport, for each other and for our nation."
For Schulte, the feeling is mutual.
"It is a profound honor to carry this flag, representing not only my country but also the spirit of every athlete who has competed here,” said Schulte. “These Paralympic Games have been a celebration of determination and courage, and a representation that limits are meant to be overcome. Thank you to the city of Paris, and the entire country of France, for hosting an indescribable Paralympic Games.”
Marks finished her final race on Saturday, winning silver in the 100m backstroke S6. She also won silver in the 50m freestyle S6, 200m individual medley SM6, 4x50m freestyle relay 20 points and 4x50m mixed medley relay 20 points. In total, Marks has 10 Paralympic medals.
Schulte will look to help the U.S. win gold in the men's wheelchair basketball final on Saturday. If the U.S. wins, it will be the first team to win three straight Paralympic wheelchair basketball titles.
The Closing Ceremony airs live on CNBC and Peacock on Sunday, Sept. 8 and coverage starts at 2:20 p.m. ET.