Olympics: US flag blown down as Serena gets gold

Then mother nature took a hand to lend a bizarre twist to the prize-giving ceremony at Wimbledon when a strong gust of wind blew the famous Stars and Stripes flag off its metal pole and into the crowd below.

With the flags of runner-up Maria Sharapova's Russia and Belarus -- for bronze medallist Victoria Azarenka -- still flying proudly, Serena turned to joke with Sharapova as the American national anthem played on in the background.

A member of staff retrieved the flag, while another carried it around with Serena as she, Sharapova and Azarenka posed for photos.

Asked if she felt insulted by the flag farce, Serena said: "Oh God, no. It was amazing to just be up there for the USA and hold this medal.

"I'm surprised (it happened), but it was just so windy out there.

"At least the anthem was playing. It was such a great moment. I'm happy."