Erin Hamlin Selected As US Flag Bearer In Winter Games
Feb 8, 2018, 12:00 AM | Updated: Jan 4, 2019, 11:23 am
(Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
Luger Erin Hamlin has been announced as the United States flag bearer in the Winter Games opening ceremony.
According to Sports Illustrated, Hamlin is a four-time Olympian and two-time champion.
She will be the fourth ever luger to have the flag bearing role, and the first in eight years.
Wait for it… #TheRocket #TeamUnited pic.twitter.com/23OjDAW25q
— Erin Hamlin (@erinhamlin) January 30, 2018
Hamlin said in a statement:
“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!”
Meanwhile speedskater Shani Davis tweeted against the decision. He claims Team USA “dishonorably tossed a coin” to pick Hamlin for the role.
https://twitter.com/ShaniDavis/status/961534274586464256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newyorkupstate.com%2Fsports%2F2018%2F02%2F2018_olympics_shani_davis_tweet_rips_flag-bearer_coin_toss_favoring_erin_hamlin.html
TIME reports that Davis, along with speedskater Brian Hansen, actually skipped the opening ceremony following the decision of Hamlin as flag bearer.