One of the greatest honors an athlete at the Olympics can have is bearing their nation's flag during opening ceremonies. Now, John Shuster of Minnesota and Brittany Bowe of Florida will do so in Beijing.
When it comes to deciding who will carry the flag, fellow athletes all vote for who they would like to see have the honor.
Shuster, 39, of Chisholm, Minnesota, is a past Olympian, having participated in five straight Winter Olympics on the USA curling team. In 2018 he helped lead the nation to its first-ever gold medal.
Shuster also has a bronze medal which he won in his first Winter Olympics in 2006 in Italy. In addition, he is just the third Minnesotan to ever carry the flag during opening ceremonies for the winter games.
Now, the Minnesotan will hold the flag as he looks to win the U.S. its second gold medal in curling, defending their title.
Bowe, from Ocala, Florida, was selected to carry the stars and stripes after 39-year-old bobsledder Elana Meyers of California tested positive for COVID-19.
In just her second Olympic game, the 33-year-old speedskater was selected to carry the flag in place of Meyers.
Bowe is a world record holder for women's speed skating with the fastest ever 1,000m event. She also won a bronze medal at the Sochi Olympic Games.
Opening ceremonies for the Beijing Winter Olympics will begin on Friday.
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