The identity of the American flag-bearer is still a mystery, and NBC Olympics recently compiled a list of 13 candidates for the public to vote on. As NBCSports notes, there are usually a few distinct characterizations for a flag-bearer: The U.S. flag bearer generally falls into one or more of three categories — medal favorite (Mariel Zagunis, 2012), longtime Olympian (Mark Grimmette, 2010) or fascinating backstory (Lopez Lomong, 2008). Technically, a flag bearer doesn’t have to be an Olympian. Boxer/politician Manny Pacquiao carried the Philippines flag at the 2008 Olympics. The identity of the flag-bearer is not actually up to a public vote, however. Team captains will decide on behalf of the athletes who ends up with the honor, with the results decided a day or two before the opening ceremony. For what its worth, the NBC poll had bobsledder Chris Fogt in the lead at 13 percent. Fogt is an Army major who served a year in Afghanistan after competing at the 2010 Vancouver games. Other notable leading candidates include ski jumper Lindsey Van and cross-country skier Kikkan Randall. Regardless, the American flag-bearer will be revealed shortly, and his or her combination of perseverance and athletic achievement will make for an inspirational story.
Posted on: Mon, 03 Feb 2014 22:51:52 +0000
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