Kurt Fearnley has been given one more honour by the Australian public - a rousing ovation as he carried the Australian flag into the venue for the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony.
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The capacity crowd cheered as Fearnley - who earlier on Sunday won gold in the men's wheelchair marathon - led the Australian team into the stadium.
"I've loved every minute of wearing these colours," Fearnley said.
"I'll be so happy to be on the other side of the camera (because) there are so many other great athletes ready to carry these colours."
The opening stages of the finale featured Gold Coast local Amy Shark and indigenous singer-songwriter Archie Roach on centre-stage at Cararra Stadium.
Then it was time for an Australian Idol reunion as Guy Sebastian, Anthony Callea and Ricki-Lee Coulter performed, while Yothu Yindi belted out their hit song Treaty.
Commonwealth Games Federation president Louise Martin lauded the Games for its ability to integrate para sports and bring gender equality to the program.
She also revealed the incredibly popular games mascot Borobi would take on a more permanent role with the CGF.
The giant blue koala made a cameo appearance with track superstar Usain Bolt playing DJ.
Australian Associated Press
