Jessie Diggins will lead the American contingent out of PyeongChang.
Diggins, who captured the United States' first-ever medal in women's cross-country skiing when she and partner Kikkan Randall won gold in the team freestyle sprint, has been selected as the country's flag bearer for the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics this weekend.
The U.S. Olympic Committee made the announcement Friday, noting that the selection of Diggins came via a vote by her fellow Team USA athletes.
We’re so excited to announce that our own @jessdiggs will be carrying the flag at the Olympic closing ceremony!! 🥇🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/aA7iZMqozE
— U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team (@usskiteam) February 23, 2018
In addition to her historic gold medal, the 26-year-old also recorded a quartet of top-six finishes in South Korea.
"This is such an incredible honor for me," the two-time Olympian said. "I'm really humbled and moved that the athletes voted for me. It's so inspiring to feel the support and cheering from everyone. The coolest thing for me about the games has been getting to meet other athletes on Team USA, and getting to cheer them on at their events and learn about what they do. I have so much respect and admiration for everybody here and am beyond honored to be able to lead us out of these games."
When she waves the stars and stripes Sunday, Diggins will officially become the first cross-country skier to carry the American flag at a Winter Olympic closing ceremony.
