Cindy Klassen of Winnipeg displays her five medals in the women's long track speed skating at the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006. (CP PHOTO/COC/Mike Ridewood)

TURIN, Italy - This time, Cindy Klassen will be honoured to carry Canada's flag into the Stadio Olimpico.

As expected, the speed skating queen was officially named to be the country's flag bearer at this afternoon's closing ceremony. The announcement was made at the Canadian Olympic Committee's wrap-up news conference this morning.

"It's just an honour," the 26-year-old Winnipeg native said with typical under-statement. "I'm so proud of how all the Canadians did here."

Klassen was the star of what was Canada's best Winter Olympics ever, becoming this country's first - and just the seventh Olympian in history - to win five medals at a single Games.

Her haul includes a gold in the women's 1,500 metres, silver in both the 1,000 and team pursuit, and bronze in each of the 3,000 and 5,000 metres.

Prior to the Olympics, Klassen was one of a number of prominent Canadian athletes who politely declined consideration to be the flag bearer at the opening ceremony, citing a wish to focus on the events. In Klassen's case, it apparently worked.

Danielle Goyette did carry the flag two weeks ago and the 40-year-old Calgary resident won gold with the women's hockey team.

Canada's Olympians won 24 medals over the past 16 days - seven gold, 10 silver and seven bronze - to better the previous high of 17 won in Salt Lake City in 2002.