In a surprise selection, track and field athlete Bryshon Nellum was named to lead the United States in Sunday’s Closing Ceremonies as flag bearer, the US Olympic Committee announced Friday night. Nellum was chosen by a vote of team members.

Nellum, a 400-meter runner, was told by doctors in 2008 that he would never run again at a world-class level after being shot in the legs. Through perseverance, dedication, and three operations, Nellum returned to training full time in 2012 and finished third in the 400 at the US Olympic trials in a personal-best 44.80 seconds to earn a London berth.