Three-time Olympic skier Sami Kennedy-Sim will carry the flag for Australia in Sunday's closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.
The 33-year-old freestyle skier will lead out the Australian contingent to mark the end of the 2022 Winter Games, where the team secured a record four medals.
Kennedy-Sim, who equalled her previous Olympic best finishing eighth, said she was shocked when asked by team chef de mission Geoff Lipshut to carry the flag.
"When Geoff told me I was a bit stunned, but what a way to wrap up my third Games," the Sydneysider said.
"While I did come here to better my last performance, it's another top-10 performance at an Olympic Games and I am very proud of that.
"When you think about the history that this team has created, it adds to the magic of these Games to be asked to lead our team."
Mr Lipshut said the veteran deserved the honour for her contribution over a long career with Beijing likely to be her last Olympics.
Kennedy-Sim suffered a stroke triggered by a blood clot in her leg almost nine years ago.
She then had to undergo heart surgery.
"Sami's commitment and professionalism goes to the heart of what this team has been about.
"In choosing Sami, I thought about her whole career. She struggled in her first Games in Sochi - she was extremely nervous, but then having two eighth placings in her next two Olympic Games.
"She has been the standard bearer for her sport and keeping her sport going in our country.
"Sami has really made her career the most of what it could be and tonight she will proudly lead Australia as these very successful Games draw to a close."
The Australian representation at the closing ceremony will be a small contingent with athletes having to leave Beijing 48 hours after their events.
