Nellum carries U.S. flag in Olympics closing ceremony

Nellum carries U.S. flag in Olympics closing ceremony

Published Aug. 10, 2012 7:37 p.m. ET

LONDON -- Bryshon Nellum, who was shot in the legs four years ago and endured three operations to return to the track, was selected to carry the United States flag in Sunday's closing ceremony of the London Olympics.

Nellum, 23, was chosen by a vote of U.S. athletes, according to the U.S. Olympic Committee.

"I'm humbled by this incredible privilege," said Nellum, part of the silver-medal winning 1,600-meter relay team, in a statement. "Four years ago, I wasn't sure I would ever run again, and now I'm leading Team USA into the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games.

"I'm so grateful for the incredible support of my friends and family, and I'll never forget these Games."

Nellum, recruited to USC from Long Beach Poly, was shot while accompanying a Trojans recruit to an off-campus party. The recruit decided not to attend USC.

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