TEAM U.S.A. Flag Bearers
Throughout history, the Olympic and Paralympic Games have served as platforms for athletes to showcase their talent, dedication, and national pride on the global stage. Among the many traditions that encapsulate the spirit of these events, the role of the flag bearers stands out as a symbol of honor and distinction. Learn more about the flag bearers for the Olympic and Paralympic Games over the years.
After an impressive performance at the 1912 Olympic Games, Craig returned to the Olympic scene a decade later at the 1948 London Games as an alternate on the sailing team. He was also chosen to be the flag bearer, leading Team USA into the Opening Ceremony, and proudly carrying the American flag in front of the world.
Rafer Johnson competed for the gold medal in the decathlon during the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. He also held the honor of being the first Black athlete to be chosen as the flag bearer for Team USA at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games. Rafer is also a U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame member.
Marathon runner Francie Larrieu Smith, a five-time Olympian, was the first American woman to run the marathon in less than 2 ½ hours and won 22 national titles. She capped off her athletic career by being chosen as the flag bearer for the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona.
Bruce Baumgartner competed at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games, winning gold in the super-heavyweight freestyle competition. He also won the silver medal at the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games, then gold again at the 1992 Games. At the Atlanta Games, Baumgartner was chosen to be the flag bearer and U.S. Olympic Team captain. He was the fourth American to win medals in four Olympic Games.
Table tennis player Mike Dempsey was voted flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony of 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games, his seventh Games. Dempsey won three golds, four silvers, and two bronze while on Team USA during the 1972, 1976, 1980, 1988, 1992, 1996, and 2000 Paralympics.
Dawn Staley was selected to carry the U.S. flag in the Opening Ceremony before the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Staley helped Team USA win the gold in women’s basketball at Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, and again at Athens 2004.
One of the Lost Boys of Sudan, runner Lopez Lomong became the sixth person not born in the United States to be Team USA’s flag bearer, when he was voted to carry the flag at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. He also competed at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Scott Danberg is a five-time Paralympian and was selected the flag bearer for the opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Danberg, who competed in track and field, swimming, and powerlifting, won the silver medal in javelin at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul.
U.S. Navy Lieutenant Brad Snyder, who lost his eyesight while serving in Afghanistan, won two gold medals and one silver swimming at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. His teammates went on to vote him as the U.S. flag bearer for the Closing Ceremony.
Already the most decorated Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps added one more accomplishment to his resume as he carried the U.S. flag in the Opening Ceremony of his fifth Olympic Games. Phelps won five gold medals and one silver at the Rio Games in 2016.
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