Summer macintosh wins Canada 3 gold medals at only17 years old

Among the arrivals was Toronto swimmer Summer McIntosh, the 17-year-old who became a household name after winning four medals, including three gold. McIntosh returned to Paris to carry the Canadian flag in the closing ceremony on Sunday alongside gold-winning hammer thrower Ethan Katzberg of Nanaimo, B.C., an experience she called "honestly amazing."

"I can't say thank you enough [to the fans] for all their support. It means the absolute world," said McIntosh. "We wouldn't be here without them today. Even when we were over in Paris, we could feel their support."

Breaking Olympic records along the way, she was Canada’s most decorated athlete at these Games, and for her unbelievable efforts, the 17-year-old was chosen as the nation’s flagbearer for Sunday’s Closing Ceremony.

Speaking exclusively to Olympics.com, McIntosh reflected on her amazing experience and the immense pride she feels representing her country on the world’s greatest stage.

"It's hard to sum all of this up into words," McIntosh told Olympics.com. "I think it's kind of just been a whole whirlwind of a week and a half of very intense racing. And it's also pretty draining mentally and physically.

“But, I mean, the medals are worth it, and making my nation proud is also worth it. So anytime I get to represent Canada and wear the flag with pride, I really don't take that lightly. And it's my job to reach my best ability.