Mariel Zagunis, a two-time Olympic gold medal-winning fencer, will carry the United States flag during the opening ceremony for the London Games on Friday at the Olympic stadium. She won following a vote of team members in advance of the ceremony.
She is coming off gold-medal finishes in both the 2008 and 2004 Games in Beijing and Athens, where she became the first American to win the gold in fencing in 100 years.
"I'm extremely humbled by this incredible privilege," Zagunis said in a statement. "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."
U.S. Olympic Committee chief executive officer Scott Blackmun released a statement as well.
"It's especially fitting in the year of the 40th anniversary of Title IX, when Team USA for the first time in history has more women than men, that Mariel receive the extraordinary honor that is carrying our nation's flag into this celebration of humanity," he said.
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