The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony is just a day away. Athletes from different sports competitions are wrapping up their preparations to script history. To no surprise, team USA is hopeful of dominating the medal tally with a strong contingent of 223 athletes, heading to China.
Ahead of the opening ceremony, flag bearers prepare to take part in the Parade of Nations event. This year, John Shuster and Elana Meyers Taylor will lead team USA out of the tunnel. Even though absolutely deserving, snowboarding fans are gutted for Shaun White, who is making his last Olympic appearance and was hopeful of leading the battalion.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Shuster is a curling legend while Elana Meyers Taylor has won several medals for the bobsled competitions. However, a fresh problem recently occurred for Taylor, which made the scenario complicated.
Taylor won’t lead Team USA
The sensational John Shuster won the Olympic gold medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. Now, he will become the first flag-bearer from the sport of curling for Team USA.
However, with Elana Meyers Taylor, things are different. Taylor recently tested positive for Covid-19 and hence, won’t be representing team USA at the opening ceremony. Thus, she is forced to withdraw her position for three-time Olympic speed skater, Brittany Bowe.
View this post on Instagram
A disappointing turn of events for the bobsled icon, she spoke about not attending the opening ceremony. However, she was full of praise for Bowe, who will lead Team USA now.
“While I cannot carry the flag and walk in with the rest of Team USA, Brittany is very deserving of the opportunity to lead our delegation on my behalf. She is an incredible person with an exemplary character, and I’m excited to watch her and John lead Team USA at the Opening Ceremony,” said Taylor.
John Shuster is ready for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
Even though Shaun White is appearing in his final Olympic Games, the committee gave Shuster the opportunity to lead America. With an array of capable athletes looking to bring glory to their nation, Shuster is happy with the decision. An honorable moment for the outstanding curler, he opens up on his emotions ahead of the Games.
“When thinking back to my opening ceremony experiences, I cannot help but be so proud to lead Team USA into an Olympic Winter Games. Joining the incredible group of Team USA leaders, especially since it was chosen by my Team USA teammates, is one of the greatest honors of my sporting career,” said Shuster.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The opening ceremony starts on February 4th, 2022. While team USA will hope to lead the medal count, fans too will hope their favorite stars win it all. As history awaits, are you excited about the Winter Games?
WATCH THIS STORY-?This Family discovered a TREASURE of Baseball cards in uncles old attic