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Meet the Final Five American Flag Bearers from the Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony

Posted on by angelo

The flag bearer for the United States Olympic team is usually 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 Athletes’ Parade.

At Tokyo 2020, Eddy Alvarez And Sue Bird were chosen by a vote of the other Team USA athletes and are the first-ever duo to share the honor of leading the delegation in the opening ceremony.

Sue Bird (Tokyo 2020), basketball

After her debut in Athens in 2004, Sue Bird won five consecutive gold medals at the Olympics.

Her accolades also include four WNBA championships with the Seattle Storm. Bird is one of 11 players to win 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 field, as well as her advocacy for gender equality, made her an exemplary choice as flag bearer at the Tokyo Games.

The U.S. women’s basketball team has won seven consecutive Olympic gold medals, starting in 1996. Even though Bird won’t be on the court with them in Paris, the team is still determined to continue their streak .

Eddy Alvarez (Tokyo 2020), baseball and speed skating

Eddy Alvarez joined Bird to carry the flag.

The Cuban-born American won a silver medal as part of the four-person 5,000-meter short track speed skating team at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics before swapping his skates for cleats and win another Olympic silver medal in baseball six years later. Tokyo 2020.

Yes, you read that right. After the Winter Olympics, Alvarez made a unique transition to baseball, playing for the Miami Marlins before competing in the Japanese capital. His selection as flag bearer in Tokyo showcased his incredible athletic versatility and inspiring background. He was also the first baseball athlete to carry the American flag during the opening ceremony.