Team USA fans slammed Jimmy Fallon to shut up during Olympics closing ceremony interview after he said this awkward joke toward Katie Ledecky
TEAM USA fans didn’t appreciate Jimmy Fallon bothering Katie Ledecky and Nick Mead during the Paris Olympics closing ceremony.
The late-night TV host interviewed the US gold medallist together with Mike Tirico as they hoisted the American flag during a parade of nations at Stade de France on Sunday.
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Team USA fans didn’t appreciate Jimmy Fallon’s joke during a live TV interview with Katie Ledecky at the Paris Olympics closing ceremonyCredit: Getty
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Ledecky carried the American flag during the ceremony together with rower Nick MeadCredit: Getty
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Ledecky won two golds, one silver, and one bronze medal during the Paris OlympicsCredit: Getty
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During the chat, Fallon, 49, asked Ledecky whether she would swim rather than take a flight back to America after the ceremony.
But the joke didn’t land with Team USA fans, who already didn’t like the fact the NBC stars didn’t let the Olympians savor the moment.
“Why is Jimmy Fallon interviewing Katie Ledecky in the middle of the f**king parade of countries?????” one asked.
“Mike Tirico and Jimmy Fallon should leave Katie Ledecky and Nick alone and let them enjoy this moment,” another wrote.
“Can only imagine Tirico’s eye roll while Fallon was asking Ledecky if she was going to swim home,” a third said.
“Jimmy Fallon bugging Katie Ledecky during the opening ceremony has pissed me off why is he allowed to be involved in things,” one added.
Ledecky, 27, actually couldn’t hear Fallon’s question because of the noise inside the arena, the US swimmer said, making the moment all the more awkward.
The DC native won two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze during the Paris Olympics.
One of the golds came in the 800-meter freestyle, which she has now won at four straight Games.
By doing so, Ledecky joined Michael Phelps as the only swimmer to win the same Olympic event four times in a row.
She also took her career gold medal tally to nine, becoming only the sixth Olympian to reach that number.
Phelps is the only athlete to have won more.
Ledecky received the news she would be the Team USA flag bearer from fellow swimmer Robert Finke.
The Olympic legend was visibly emotional as she answered Finke’s call.
It’s been an honor representing our country here in Paris. I’m so proud to be a part of this team
Katie Ledecky
“You’re making me cry,” she said.
After putting her closing ceremony jacket on, Ledecky continued, “This is a huge honor.
“Can’t wait for the closing ceremony.
“It’s been an honor representing our country here in Paris.
“I’m so proud to be a part of this team.”
Team USA finished the Paris Olympics at the top of the medal table after winning 40 golds, 44 silvers, and 42 bronzes.
