Who is Carrying the U.S. Flag in the Tokyo 2020 Closing Ceremony?

by Spencer Penland 5

August 08th, 2021 National, News, Tokyo 2020

2020 TOKYO SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony took place tonight at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo. The Closing Ceremony marks the end of the Olympics, and much like the Opening Ceremony, it’s an opportunity for all participants to come together and celebrate the Games.

Also like the Opening Ceremony, each country has a flag bearer, who carries their country’s flag into the stadium, leading the country’s athletes in as well. Sue Bird and Eddy Alvarez served as the United States’ flag bearers at the Opening Ceremony 16 days ago.

Tonight, Kara Winger carried the U.S. flag, leading the Americans into the stadium. The Team USA athletes take a vote on who will be the flag bearer at the ceremonies, and on Friday, it was announced that Winger won the vote.

So, who is Kara Winger?

Kara Winger is a 4-time U.S. Track & Field Olympian, who competes in the javelin throw. She’s the American Record-holder in the event, and she finished 17th at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. That marked her highest finish out of her 4 Olympic appearances.

The 35-year-old has had a very successful career, having won Pan American Games Gold and Silver. She’s also competed at the 2009, 2011, and 2015 World Championships in javelin. Winger has also won 8 US National Titles in javelin over the course of her career.

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PowerPlay
3 years ago

Athletes voted Winger in, so have to respect that. As great as Allyson Felix is, she received lots of media coverage. I like the idea of Winger, 4 time Olympian in event that gets little to no attention by general public, gets the honor.

MrClean
3 years ago

Surprise she won, the first time hearing about her… Why not Allyson Felix?

Coach Tom
Reply to  MrClean
3 years ago

Felix, while certainly deserving, has received quite a bit of adulation throughout her career and this Olympiad especially. My guess is the team voted for a less-heralded athlete who they felt deserved special recognition due to her long career representing the US.

A fine choice either way, in my opinion.

Last edited 3 years ago by Coach Tom
Marcy Spann
3 years ago

imo it should’ve been allison felix no question

Bobo Gigi
Reply to  Marcy Spann
3 years ago

Yes. She deserved it. It was her last international competition. It’s always sad when one of your sports idol retires. First time I heard of her was in 2002. What an amazing longevity. What a beauty on the track. And she’s one of the very few top sprinters who, I’m 200% sure, has always been clean. She’s the epitome of the great natural talent. So it’s sad to see her retire but at least she says goodbye in the best possible way. With a gold medal. Like MP did it in Rio. And after giving birth to a little girl. Amazing. Goodbye champion.