Marks and Schulte Named Flag Bearers for 2024 Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony
Contributing – Team USA Staff
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has announced that Ellie Marks, a three-time Paralympian, and Paul Schulte, a four-time Paralympian, will serve as flag bearers for the 2024 U.S. Paralympic Team during the Closing Ceremony. The event is scheduled for Sunday, September 8, at Stade de France in Paris.
Marks and Schulte were chosen through a voting process conducted by fellow Team USA athletes, overseen by the Team USA Athletes’ Commission. This marks the first instance where two athletes will share the honor of leading the delegation into the Closing Ceremony, which officially concludes the Paralympic Games.
Ellie Marks expressed her gratitude: “It’s an absolute honor to carry our nation’s colors, be nominated by this incredible team, and represent our community. Sport has saved so many lives, mine included. I hope the Closing Ceremony can be a celebration of our love for sport, for each other, and for our nation.”
Paul Schulte shared his thoughts: “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. These Paralympic Games have been a celebration of determination and courage, and a representation that limits are meant to be overcome.”
Athletic Achievements
Ellie Marks
– Nine total Paralympic medals to date
– Four silver medals in Paris 2024:
– 50m Freestyle S6
– 200m Individual Medley SM6
– 4x50m Freestyle Relay 20 Points
– 4x50m Medley Relay 20 Points – Mixed
– Competing in 100m Backstroke S6 on Saturday
Paul Schulte
– Four-time Paralympian
– Returned to competition after a 12-year hiatus
– U.S. Wheelchair Basketball team advancing to gold-medal match against Great Britain
