It is an honor and privilege for one, sometimes two athletes to carry their country’s colors at the
Opening Ceremonies at the Olympics. But it may not always be the most notable and popular
athlete on the team. Sure Michael Phelps walked in with the American flag at the 2016 Olympic
Games in Rio, but in other years, we’ve seen athletes from obscure sports have the honor. So
who will carry the flag in Paris? We’ll break down some of the obvious choices, and also a
longshot that could be a value play.
Simone Biles, Gymnastics (-1000)
There is no surprise why Simone Biles is the overwhelming favorite after an Olympic career that
includes seven medals, and likely more in Paris. Biles has made it clear she plans to retire after
the Summer Games. She is the most decorated US gymnast of all-time and she isn’t finished
just yet. Biles is expected to win at least one, and probably more. If chosen, it’ll be the second
time Biles carries the flag as she walked out the Stars and Stripes at the Closing Ceremony in
2016.
Yianni Diakomihalis, Wrestling (+800)
While Yianni Diakomihailis is still looking for his first Olympic medal, he could be named flag
bearer based on his recent accomplishments. He’s a four-time NCAA champion with a
collegiate record of 66-1. And he also owns the longest NCAA win streak. Diakomihalis says
he plans to compete until the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, so maybe a victory in Paris would
make him the front-runner in four years. Still a longshot, but not to be overlooked.
Katie Ledecky, Swimming (+1200)
Katie Ledecky is widely regarded as the most accomplished American women’s swimmer of all
time. Call her the Michael Phelps of U.S. swimming. The 27-year-old has won seven gold
medals and three silver medals in her Olympic career including dominating at the 2016 Games
where she took home 4 gold and 1 silver. Since Biles has already been a flag bearer, maybe
Ledecky receives the honor considering it will likely be her last Games.
LONGSHOT PLAY
Sha’Carri Richardson, Track & Field (+2000)
Hear me out on this one. Sha’Carri Richardson was supposed to be dominant for the U.S. at
Tokyo 2020. But she tested positive for THC and was left off the team. Many felt she was
suspended unfairly and may vote for Richardson simply to support her comeback. At +2000,
Richardson wouldn’t be a bad play for some action.
Opening Ceremony: Who will carry Team USA flag Odds
Simone Biles -1000 Yianni Diakomihalis +800
Katie Ledecky +1200 Noah Lyles +1200
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone +1400 Naomi Girma +1400
Sophia Smith +1400 Sunny Choi +1400
Jack Alexy +1400 Thomas Heilman +1400
Dare Rose +1400 Katie Grimes +1600
Jade Carey +1600 Jordan Chiles +1600
Griffin Colapinto +1600 Anna Hall +1600
Nic Fink +1800 Jimmer Fredette +1800
Shilese Jones +2000 Sha'Carri Richardson +2000
Previous Flag Bearers
YEAR FLAG BEARER SPORT
2020 (Tokyo) Eddy Alvarez/Sue Bird Baseball/Basketball
2016 (Rio) Michael Phelps Swimming
2012 (London) Mariel Zagunis Fencing
2008 (Beijing) Lopez Lomong Long-distance running
2004 (Athens) Dawn Staley Basketball
2000 (Sydney) Cliff Meidl Canoeing
1996 (Atlanta) Bruce Baumgartner Wrestling
1992 (Barcelona) Francie Larrieu Smith Long-distance running