List of flag bearers for the United States at the Olympics - wikipedia List of flag bearers for the United States at the Olympics United States at the Olympics Flag of the United States IOC code USA NOC United States Olympic Committee Medals Gold 1,118 Silver 897 Bronze 789 Total 2,804 Summer appearances 1896 1900 1904 1908 1912 1920 1924 1928 1932 1936 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 2000 2008 2012 2016 Winter appearances 1924 1928 1932 1936 1948 1952 1956 1960 1964 1968 1972 1976 1980 1984 1988 1992 1994 1998 2002 2006 2014 2018 Other related appearances 1906 Intercalated Games This is a list of flag bearers who have represented United States at the Olympics. Flag bearers carry the national flag of their country at the opening ceremony and closing ceremony of the Olympic Games. Men and women from across the country and from a variety of sports have carried the flag at both the Summer Olympic Games and the Winter Olympic Games. More than half of those representing the teams at the Summer Olympics are track or field athletes, though that sport does account for the most competitors at the Games. James Bickford, Norman Armitage, and Pat McDonald have all performed the duty twice. Several athletes born in other countries have carried the flag, including those from Norway, Ireland, Sudan, Germany, and Czechoslovakia. Contents 1 Firsts 2 Selection and reactions 3 Flag dipping 4 Foreign - born representatives 5 Other notes 6 List of flag bearers 7 See also 8 References Firsts US team manager Matthew Halpin was the first to carry the flag at the 1906 Intercalated Games, though that event is no longer considered by the International Olympic Committee to be part of Olympic history. Ralph Rose became the first competitor to have the honor when he led the team out at the 1908 Summer Games, the first official Olympic Games to feature a parade of nations. The first woman to represent the United States was fencer Janice Romary in 1968, her sixth consecutive Summer Olympics. Taffy Abel was the first person to represent the United States at the Winter Olympics when he was chosen to carry the flag at the inaugural Games in Chamonix in 1924. Irish - born Pat McDonald, one of the `` Irish Whales '', became the first athlete to be selected as the flag bearer twice when he performed his second duty in 1924. In 1956 two other athletes led the U.S. team out for a second time, James Bickford at the Winter Olympics and Norman Armitage at the Summer Games. Selection and reactions Lopez Lomong says he felt `` blessed '' to be selected as the 2008 flag bearer. The flag bearers are chosen by a vote of the team captains of each sport. Athletes view their selection of flag bearer as a great honour : `` It 's more than a dream. `` I keep saying, I 'm not sure if this is true or not true. I 'm making the team and now I 'm the first guy coming to the stadium and the whole world will be watching me carry the flag. There are no words to describe it. '' `` I feel happy, honored. I 'm feeling so blessed to get an opportunity to present the United States of America, to present the United States flag in front of my team. '' -- Lopez Lomong `` I 'm still shaking. I was incredibly surprised when Brian ( Martin ) told me, and I 'm still trying to process it all. To be the person leading the U.S. team into the opening ceremony is just such a great honor. '' -- Mark Grimmette in a statement released by the U.S. Olympic Committee Flag Dipping Ralph Rose competing at the 1908 Olympics after not dipping the flag in the opening ceremony Olympic protocol is that the flag bearer dips their flag to the head of state as part of the parade. It has become tradition that the U.S. flag is not dipped, though the origins of this are surrounded by legend and are widely misreported : `` The motives for the original refusal, the identity of the flag - bearer and the truth behind the quotation and other issues remain much murkier in the historical record than legend - tellers portray... The evolution of this flag mythology reveals a great deal about the complex strains of early 20th century American nationalism. '' -- Mark Dyreson, Pennsylvania State University sports historian The parade of nations was introduced at the 1906 Intercalated Games with Matthew Halpin as the U.S. flag bearer. Halpin gladly dipped the flag, noting that when he did so King George I of Greece `` staked me to a smile that made me feel like I belonged ''. The controversy began at the 1908 Summer Olympics in London where flag bearers were expected to dip the flag to Edward VII on two occasions. Research by the International Society of Olympic Historians concluded that the flag bearer was Ralph Rose and that he might not have dipped the flag to the British King on one of those occasions. Martin Sheridan is often attributed with the explanation of this supposed disrespect by stating at the time `` This flag dips to no earthly king '' but no evidence of this can be found. Modern versions of the story describe how the Stars and Stripes have never been dipped during the parade of nations since 1908 but this is apocryphal. It has been dipped on three occasions since then : 1912, 1924, and 1932. The 1932 winter games were held in Lake Placid and, though head of state President Herbert Hoover would normally have greeted the parade of nations, the duty was passed to New York governor Franklin Roosevelt. This was the last time that the flag was dipped at the Olympics as political forces intervened thereafter. The head of state awaiting the athletes at the 1936 Summer Games was Adolf Hitler, to whom the U.S. refused to lower their flag. The 1940 Olympics were cancelled due to the onset of World War II and, in 1942, the United States Congress introduced the United States Flag Code which stated : `` That no disrespect should be given to the flag of the United States of America, the flag should not be dipped to any person or thing. '' However, since the Flag Code is legally unenforceable, it appears to be merely codified tradition. Foreign - born representatives Pat McDonald, the first athlete to carry the flag for the United States on two occasions and the first flag bearer born outside of the U.S. Several foreign - born athletes have represented the United States at the opening ceremonies. Irishman Pat McDonald was the first in 1920 and he, at the age of 42, became the oldest Olympic track & field champion. Though he did not compete, he also went on to lead the U.S. team at the following Summer Olympics. Rolf Monsen, a multi-discipline Winter sports athlete born in Oslo, Norway, competed as an American in 1928 and 1932. He qualified for the 1936 Games and though an injury prevented him from taking part, he was still chosen to carry the flag. The American team at the 1936 Summer Games were led by Berlin - born, highly regarded gymnast Al Jochim. Olga Fikotová was a discus - thrower at the 1956 Summer Olympics and the only athlete to win a gold medal for her home country Czechoslovakia in that year. She began a much - publicised romance with American athlete Harold Connolly, much to the frustration of the Communist authorities. Fikotová was accused of being a traitor and the Czechoslovak Olympic Committee banned her from representing her country again. Now living in the U.S., she would go on to compete for her adopted country in the next four Summer Games. Despite not being able to replicate her success, Fikotová was chosen to lead the American team at the 1972 Games in Munich, West Germany. Lopez Lomong carried the flag at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China and became the fifth flag bearer to be born outside the United States. As a teenager in war - torn Sudan, Lomong was one of several thousand boys brought to America as a refugee in 2001. His selection came during a time when the U.S. and other Western countries had been critical of the Chinese government 's close links with Sudan, a country accused of human rights violations and war crimes. Other notes Godfrey Dewey, son of Melvil Dewey the inventor of Dewey Decimal Classification, was the president of the Lake Placid Organizing Committee and was largely responsible for the successful candidature of Lake Placid for the 1932 Winter Olympics. In addition to his role as the U.S. ski team manager he was chosen as the flag bearer for the 1928 Games in St. Moritz, Switzerland. List of flag bearers List of flag bearers : Key Born outside the United States # Event year Season Ceremony Flag bearer Sex State / Country Sport 62 2018 Winter Closing Diggins, Jessica Jessica Diggins Minnesota Cross-country skiing 61 2018 Winter Opening Hamlin, Erin Erin Hamlin New York Luge 60 2016 Summer Closing Biles, Simone Simone Biles Texas Gymnastics 59 2016 Summer Opening Phelps, Michael Michael Phelps Maryland Swimming 58 2014 Winter Closing Chu, Julie Julie Chu Connecticut Hockey 57 2014 Winter Opening Lodwick, Todd Todd Lodwick Colorado Nordic combined 56 2012 Summer Closing Nellum, Bryshon Bryshon Nellum California Athletics 55 2012 Summer Opening Zagunis, Mariel Mariel Zagunis Oregon Fencing 54 Winter Closing Demong, Bill Bill Demong New York Nordic combined 53 Winter Opening Grimmette, Mark Mark Grimmette Michigan Luge 52 2008 Summer Closing Lorig, Khatuna Khatuna Lorig Georgia ( country ) Archery 51 2008 Summer Opening Lomong, Lopez Lopez Lomong Sudan ( now South Sudan ) Athletics 50 2006 Winter Closing Cheek, Joey Joey Cheek North Carolina Speed skating 49 2006 Winter Opening Witty, Chris Chris Witty Wisconsin Speed skating 48 Summer Closing Hamm, Mia Mia Hamm Texas Women 's soccer 47 Summer Opening Staley, Dawn Dawn Staley Pennsylvania Basketball 46 2002 Winter Closing Shimer, Brian Brian Shimer Florida Bobsleigh 45 2002 Winter Opening Peterson, Amy Amy Peterson Minnesota Short track speed skating 44 2000 Summer Closing Gardner, Rulon Rulon Gardner Wyoming Wrestling 43 2000 Summer Opening Meidl, Cliff Cliff Meidl California Canoeing 42 1998 Winter Closing Granato, Cammi Cammi Granato Illinois Hockey 41 1998 Winter Opening Flaim, Eric Eric Flaim Massachusetts Speed skating 40 Summer Closing Matz, Michael Michael Matz Pennsylvania Equestrian 39 Summer Opening Baumgartner, Bruce Bruce Baumgartner New Jersey Wrestling 38 1994 Winter Closing Jansen, Dan Dan Jansen Wisconsin Speed skating 37 1994 Winter Opening Myler, Cammy Cammy Myler New York Luge 36 1992 Summer Closing Westbrook, Peter Peter Westbrook Missouri Fencing 35 1992 Summer Opening Larrieu Smith, Francie Francie Larrieu Smith California Athletics 34 1992 Winter Opening Koch, Bill Bill Koch Vermont Cross-country skiing 33 1988 Summer Opening Ashford, Evelyn Evelyn Ashford Louisiana Athletics 32 1988 Winter Opening Nelson, Lyle Lyle Nelson Idaho Biathlon 31 1984 Summer Opening Burke, Ed Ed Burke California Athletics 30 1984 Winter Opening Masley, Frank Frank Masley Delaware Luge 29 1980 Winter Opening Hamilton, Scott Scott Hamilton Ohio Figure skating 28 1976 Summer Opening Hall, Gary Gary Hall North Carolina Swimming 27 1976 Winter Opening Nelson, Cindy Cindy Nelson Minnesota Alpine skiing 26 1972 Summer Opening Fikotová, Olga Olga Fikotová Czechoslovakia ( now Czech Republic ) Athletics 25 1972 Winter Opening Holum, Dianne Dianne Holum Illinois Speed skating 24 1968 Summer Opening Romary, Janice Janice Romary California Fencing 23 1968 Winter Opening McDermott, Terry Terry McDermott Michigan Speed skating 22 1964 Summer Opening O'Brien, Parry Parry O'Brien California Athletics 21 1964 Winter Opening Disney, Bill Bill Disney Kansas Speed skating 20 1960 Summer Opening Johnson, Rafer Rafer Johnson Texas Athletics 19 1960 Winter Opening McDermott, Don Don McDermott New York Speed skating 18 1956 Summer Opening Armitage, Norman Norman Armitage New York Fencing 17 1956 Winter Opening Bickford, James James Bickford New York Bobsleigh 16 1952 Summer Opening Armitage, Norman Norman Armitage New York Fencing 15 1952 Winter Opening Bickford, James James Bickford New York Bobsleigh 14 1948 Summer Opening Craig, Ralph Ralph Craig Michigan Athletics 13 1948 Winter Opening Heaton, Jack Jack Heaton Connecticut Skeleton 12 1936 Summer Opening Jochim, Al Al Jochim Germany Gymnastics 11 1936 Winter Opening Monsen, Rolf Rolf Monsen Norway Cross-country skiing 10 1932 Summer Opening Taylor, Morgan Morgan Taylor Iowa Athletics 9 1932 Winter Opening Fiske, Billy Billy Fiske Illinois Bobsleigh 8 1928 Summer Opening Houser, Bud Bud Houser Missouri Athletics 7 1928 Winter Opening Dewey, Godfrey Godfrey Dewey Florida President of Lake Placid Organizing Committee 6 1924 Summer Opening McDonald, Pat Pat McDonald Ireland Athletics 5 1924 Winter Opening Abel, Taffy Taffy Abel Michigan Hockey 1920 Summer Opening McDonald, Pat Pat McDonald Ireland Athletics 1912 Summer Opening Bonhag, George George Bonhag Massachusetts Athletics 1908 Summer Opening Rose, Ralph Ralph Rose California Athletics & tug of war 1906 Summer Opening Halpin, Matthew Matthew Halpin New York Team manager See also United States at the Olympics References Jump up ^ McGrath, Roger. These colors run : at the 1908 London Olympics, the Irish American Athletic Club brought home gold for the red, white, and blue. July 28, 2008. The American Conservative LLC. Accessed October 29, 2011. ^ Jump up to : United States. Olympics at Sport-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Accessed October 25, 2011. Jump up ^ What Events are Olympic ? Olympics at Sport-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Accessed October 26, 2011. Jump up ^ 1906 Athina Summer Games Olympics at Sport-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Accessed October 26, 2011. Jump up ^ Janice - Lee Romary, 79 ; fencer competed in 6 Olympic Games. June 5, 2007. Los Angeles Times. Accessed October 29, 2011. ^ Jump up to : Pat McDonald. Olympics at Sport-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Accessed October 26, 2011. ^ Jump up to : Former ' Lost Boy ' Lomong chosen to carry U.S. flag. August 8, 2008. ESPN. Accessed October 29, 2011. Jump up ^ Grimmette : Carrying flag ' great honor '. February 11, 2010. ESPN. Accessed October 29, 2011. Jump up ^ Dyreson, Mark. To dip or not to dip the flag at the Olympics ? Archived 2012 - 02 - 02 at the Wayback Machine. August 6, 2008. themorningcall.com. Accessed October 28, 2011. ^ Jump up to : Different Motives Sustained U.S. Flag - Dipping Refusal At Olympics, Historian Says. Pennsylvania State University. Accessed October 28, 2011. ^ Jump up to : Mallon, Bill and Buchanan, Ian. To No Earthly King. September 1999. International Society of Olympic Historians. Accessed October 27, 2011. Jump up ^ Luckey, John. The United States Flag : Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions. April 14, 2008. Accessed October 29, 2011. Jump up ^ Rolf Monsen. Olympics at Sport-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Accessed October 29, 2011. Jump up ^ Al Jochim. Olympics at Sport-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Accessed October 29, 2011. Jump up ^ Willoughby, Ian. Olga Fikotová - Connolly : 1956 Olympic champion dubbed `` traitor '' in communist Czechoslovakia over romance with US athlete. May 1, 2008. Český rozhlas. Accessed October 29, 2011. Jump up ^ Sudanese born athlete bears the US flag in Beijing. August 9, 2008. Sudan Tribune. Accessed October 29, 2011. Jump up ^ Dr. Melvil Dewey Dead In Florida. December 27, 1931. The New York Times. Accessed October 29, 2011. Jump up ^ Bowen, Ezra. Hey -- what Do You Say We Have An Olympics ? December 3, 1962. Sports Illustrated. Accessed October 29, 2011. Jump up ^ 1932 Lake Placid Winter Games. Olympics at Sport-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Accessed October 29, 2011. Lists of flag bearers for the competing nations of the Olympic Games Africa Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Comoros Congo Democratic Republic of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea ‐ Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Rwanda São Tomé and Príncipe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Swaziland Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe Americas Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Aruba Bahamas Barbados Belize Bermuda Bolivia Brazil British Virgin Islands Canada Cayman Islands Chile Colombia Costa Rica Cuba Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador El Salvador Grenada Guatemala Guyana Haiti Honduras Jamaica Mexico Nicaragua Panama Paraguay Peru Puerto Rico Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Suriname Trinidad and Tobago United States Uruguay Venezuela Virgin Islands Historical : Netherlands Antilles Asia Afghanistan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Iraq Japan Jordan Kazakhstan North Korea South Korea Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal Oman Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Saudi Arabia Singapore Sri Lanka Syria Chinese Taipei Tajikistan Thailand Timor ‐ Leste Turkmenistan United Arab Emirates Uzbekistan Vietnam Yemen Europe Albania Andorra Armenia Austria Azerbaijan Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Georgia Germany Great Britain Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Israel Italy Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey Ukraine Historical : Bohemia Czechoslovakia East Germany Serbia and Montenegro Soviet Union West Germany Yugoslavia Oceania American Samoa Australia Cook Islands Fiji Guam Kiribati Marshall Islands Federated States of Micronesia Nauru New Zealand Palau Papua New Guinea Samoa Solomon Islands Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu Historical : Australasia Others Independent Olympians Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_flag_bearers_for_the_United_States_at_the_Olympics&oldid=832999597 '' Categories : United States at the Olympics Lists of Olympic flag bearers by country Lists of American sportspeople Lists of Olympic competitors for the United States Hidden categories : Webarchive template wayback links Articles with hCards Talk Contents About Wikipedia Dansk Norsk Polski Русский Edit links This page was last edited on 29 March 2018, at 03 : 23. 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Question: who carried the us flag in the closing ceremony
Answer: Jessica Diggins