Nothing to see here

Stephanie Rice knows how to play a straight bat to a bit of media off-spin.

Rice was at this morning's Australian Olympic Committee briefing where she was announced as the flag carrier for tomorrow's closing ceremony.

But with headlines like PHELPS SUCKS FACE WITH AUSSIE soaking up ink in the world's gossip columns the triple gold medallist was also asked whether she'd caught up with another golden performer at the games - US swimmer Michael Phelps.

"I met him at the pool and it was amazing to meet someone like him," she said. "He's absolutely phenomenal and a huge inspiration."

"To be able to meet people like him and also people at the beginning of the week - like Nadal and (Roger) Federer - to see people that you normally see on TV and to meet them in person is a huge honour."

It's probably not quite what the gossip columnists were looking for.