One of the most successful fencers in American history, the two-time defending Olympic Individual sabre champion Mariel Zagunis will carry the American flag at the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games on Friday.
Zagunis has been one of the world’s best for a decade, beginning when, in 2002, she became the first American fencer in history to win the Jr. World Cup Championship. She would then repeat the feet the next two years, become the youngest fencer to win a World Championship, and a three-time World Champion.
The 27-year old Beaverton, Oregon native announced the decision via her Twitter this afternoon, saying “I am speechless, excited, proud beyond belief to represent my country and my sport with this amazing honor.”
The generous and kind-hearted Zagunis, the queen of her sport, has collaborated in numerous events to help raise money for the U.S. Paralympic fencing team. The sport is dominated by China and Hong Kong on the Paralympic side.
The decision is not competitively inconsequential. The individual women’s sabre does not begin until Wednesday, August 1st, and the physical burden of carrying the Olympic flag can not be undervalued. Not many swimmers, who begin competition the next morning, will volunteer for flag duties. There are a few, though, including Tonga’s Amini Fonua, who will carry his country’s flag despite having the 100 breaststroke the next morning.