Flag bearers holding their country’s flag during the Parade of Nations at the Beijing Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony have the special honor of being the primary representative of their nation for the event.

During these Olympics, Brittany Bowe is the only publicly out LGBTQ athlete to be given such an honor in 2022.

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It is reported that Bowe was actually selected second by the Team USA athletes, but Elena Meyers Taylor — who was selected first — tested positive for COVID-19. Given the strict regulations at these Olympics, Taylor lost the honor and now has to be isolated.

Still, it’s a powerful statement about where American sports are today, when a publicly out LGBTQ athlete, who posts photos of her girlfriend regularly, is selected to represent the United States. Bowe does not give many interviews about the topic, but she is not shy on Instagram.

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Bowe is one of the favorites to win gold in the women’s 1000-meter. That competition is February 17, and Bowe will be competing in a couple other events as well.

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In 2018, legendary speed skater Ireen Wust carried the Netherlands flag in the Closing Ceremony.