Two-time Olympic fencing champion Mariel Zagunis will be the flag bearer for the U.S. at Friday's opening ceremony in London. Zagunis was chosen by a vote of fellow Team USA members.
"I'm extremely humbled by this incredible privilege," Zagunis said. "As an athlete, I can't imagine a higher honor than to lead Team USA into the Olympic Games, which are the pinnacle of sport and a platform for world peace. I am tremendously proud to represent my sport, our team and, most importantly, the United States of America."
The top-ranked women's saber fencer in the world, Zagunis won gold as a 19-year-old at the Athens Games in 2004 and went on to defend her title in Beijing in 2008 before taking the individual world championship titles in 2009 and 2010.
U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM FLAG BEARERS
1908 Ralph Rose, track & field
1912 George V. Bonhag, track & field
1920 Patrick J. McDonald, track & field
1924 Patrick J. McDonald, track & field
1928 Lemuel (Bud) C. Houser, track & field
1932 F. Morgan Taylor, track & field
1936 Alfred A. Jochim, gymnastics
