Carrying the Stars and Stripes: Meet the last five US Opening Ceremony flagbearers at the Olympic Summer Games
You’re in the tunnel, hear your National Olympic Committee being called, and step into the stadium lights. You’re carrying the flag and the hopes of your entire nation with it. You proudly wave your flag on the biggest stage. This is the experience of an Olympic flagbearer.
The Olympic Games officially begin with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron during the Opening Ceremony. One of the most anticipated and famous ceremony rituals is the parade of the athletes, a unifying display where athletes from all over the world march together.
Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, enters first, followed by the remaining NOCs in alphabetical order. The host nation enters last, creating a grand finale.
The teams are led by flagbearers, often distinguished athletes chosen for their outstanding achievements and embodiment of the Olympic spirit.
Meet the last five athletes from Team USA who have had the honor of carrying the American flag at the Olympic Summer Games.
Read more about the plans for the historic opening ceremony at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, taking place on 26 July, in the heart of the city along the Seine.
The United States Olympic team's flagbearer is typically selected by their teammates or team captains. These athletes inspire future generations, and their selection highlights the immense honor of leading the U.S. delegation in the parade of athletes.
In Tokyo 2020, Eddy Alvarez and Sue Bird were chosen by a vote of fellow Team USA athletes and are the first ever duo to share the honor of leading the delegation into the Opening Ceremony.
Sue Bird (Tokyo 2020), basketball
After debuting at Athens 2004, Sue Bird has won five consecutive gold medals at the Olympics.
Her accolades also include four WNBA championships with the Seattle Storm. Bird is one of only 11 players to achieve an Olympic gold medal, a FIBA World Cup gold medal, a WNBA title, and an NCAA title. Bird is also one of the most decorated basketball players in Olympic history, with five gold medals. Her leadership on and off the court, along with her advocacy for gender equality, made her an exemplary choice for flagbearer at the Tokyo Games.
The US women's basketball team has won seven straight Olympic gold medals, starting with the gold in 1996. Although Bird won't be on the court with them in Paris, the team is still committed to continuing their streak.
Eddy Alvarez (Tokyo 2020), baseball and speed skating
Joining Bird in carrying the flag was Eddy Alvarez.
The Cuban-American won a silver medal as part of the 5,000-meter four-man short track speed skating team at the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014 before trading in the skates for the cleats and winning another Olympic silver medal in baseball six years later at Tokyo 2020.
Yes, you read that right. After the Olympic Winter Games, Alvarez made a unique transition to baseball, playing for the Miami Marlins before competing in Japan's capital. His selection as flagbearer in Tokyo highlighted his incredible athletic versatility and inspiring journey. He was also the first athlete in the sport of baseball to carry the US flag at the opening ceremony.
Michael Phelps (Rio 2016), swimming
Michael Phelps is a man who needs no introduction. Standing tall at six-foot-four, the most decorated Olympian of all time held the flag high, as he led the American team during the Rio 2016 opening ceremony. Phelps continued to dominate the Games, adding five gold medals and one silver to his collection and further cementing him as the best in the sport. His selection as flagbearer honored his extraordinary achievements in swimming and solidified his status as a true Olympic legend.
Gymnastics powerhouse Simone Biles carried the flag in the Rio 2016 Closing Ceremony after winning four gold medals for the United States.
Mariel Zagunis (London 2012), fencing
Mariel Zagunis made history as the first American saber fencer to win a gold medal in 100 years, just 19 years of age at the time. She is also the only US fencer with two Olympic gold medals. Born to Montreal 1976 Olympic rowers, Zagunis achieved her first historic gold at Athens in 2004, ending a century-long drought for American fencing in the Olympics. Four years later, Zagunis secured her second gold at the Beijing 2008. She finished fourth in London and brought home a bronze medal from Rio. The five-time Olympian and five-time world champion Zagunis narrowly missed the podium at her last Games in Tokyo.
Lopez Lomong (Beijing 2008), athletics
Lopez Lomong's journey from Sudan to Olympic athlete is nothing short of remarkable.
Born in war-torn Sudan, Lomong was abducted at age six and nearly died in captivity but was aided in his escape by fellow villagers. They ran for three days before reaching Kenya, where he lived in a refugee camp for ten years. Resettling in the US at 16, he thrived in high school and college track and eventually became a US citizen. Lomong competed in the 1500m at Beijing 2008, where he was the US flagbearer during the Opening Ceremony, embodying hope and triumph over hardship. He also competed at London 2012 in the 5000m.
Fit check: Team USA uniforms announced
Although Team USA has not yet announced who will carry the flag in Paris, we do know what they will be wearing. Click here to check out Team USA's Paris 2024 uniforms.