(USOC Press Release)
Fro Pyeongchang, KOR – Erin Hamlin, four-time Olympian and Olympic bronze medalist, has been selected as Team USA’s flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, the United States Olympic Committee announced today. The Opening Ceremony will take place Friday, Feb. 9 at PyeongChang Olympic Stadium. Hamlin was chosen by a vote of fellow Team USA members.
Hamlin will become the fourth luger to serve as U.S. flag bearer, and the first since 2010.
A two-time world champion, Hamlin made history at the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014 when she became the first U.S. athlete to win an Olympic singles luge medal in the sport’s 50-year Olympic history. Hamlin’s historic medal broke a 34-year streak of luge Olympic podiums dominated solely by German and Austrian women, surprising the field as she had not finished on the world cup podium for the two years leading up to the Sochi Games.
“Being named to an Olympic Team is an amazing accomplishment, and making four teams and winning the bronze medal is so much more than I could I have imagined I would accomplish. Now being voted flag bearer is a whole new level,” said Hamlin. “Working hard and earning success is one thing, being acknowledged as a great representative and member of Team USA by fellow athletes – many who I have been inspired by – is above and beyond anything I’ve experienced. It is definitely a privilege and honor to be the one to lead the team and will be a very special moment. I can’t wait to share it with them all!”
The women’s luge competition will get underway on Feb. 12, when Hamlin will look to add another medal to her collection.
