Legendary U.S. luger Erin Hamlin to carry flag at Opening Ceremony

Pyeongchang, South Korea • Team USA went the veteran route. And deservedly so.

On Thursday, the United States Olympic Committee announced that four-time Olympian luge athlete Erin Hamlin would be the athlete representative to lead the Stars & Stripes into Olympic Stadium during Friday’s Opening Ceremony. Hamlin will serve as the flag bearer for the U.S. during the kickoff to the 2018 Olympic Winter Games here in South Korea.

Hamlin made history at the 2014 Games, becoming the first American to ever win an Olympic singles luge medal. The two-time World Champion from Remsen, N.Y., won the bronze in Sochi, breaking a 34-year-long streak without a luge podium finish for the Americans.

“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 in a release. “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!”

Hamlin, 31, becomes the fourth U.S. luger to serve as the Opening Ceremony flag bearer and the first since Mark Grimmette at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. The women’s singles luge competition begins on February 12.