If the Olympics must end, at least Katie Ledecky and Nick Mead can lead us to the finish line. 

Fourteen-time Olympic medalist Ledecky and Olympic rowing gold medalist Mead were named the flag bearers for Team USA at the Closing Ceremony on Thursday. 

At these Olympics, Ledecky earned her ninth gold medal, giving her the most gold of any American woman, in any sport, passing Jenny Thompson.

Ledecky also became the first woman, in any sport, to ever win the same individual event four times. She's now won the women's 800m at every Olympics dating back to London 2012.

Ledecky learned the good news from her friend and training partner, Bobby Finke. 

Two-time Olympian Mead was a member of the men's four rowing team that won gold earlier in these Games. 

The team of Mead, Liam Corrigan, Michael Grady and Justin Best won the country's first gold in the men's four in 64 years. The medal also marked the first U.S. medal in a rowing event since 2016. 

The gold is Mead's first Olympic medal.