Photo: Getty Images
American bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor will carry the flag for Team USA during the 2022 Winter Games Closing Ceremony, NBC News reported.
The four-time Olympic medalist missed the opportunity to serve as the country's flag bearer during the Opening Ceremony after testing positive for Covid-19. Speed skater Brittany Bowe stepped in for Taylor, carrying the flag alongside curler John Schuster.
Bowe volunteered her own spot on the team so that fellow speed skater –– and childhood best friend –– Erin Jackson could compete. Jackson went on to make history at this year's games becoming the first Black woman to win gold in the 500m speed skating event.
"I can't think of a better honor, other than walking by myself, then having the opportunity to give to Brittany," Taylor told The Today Show. "Brittany is an absolutely amazing human being."
Taylor, 37, was eventually able to compete at the games and won the silver medal at the 2022 Beijing Games in the monobob event.
Taylor dedicated her performance to her son, Nico, whom she shares with husband and fellow Winter Olympian Nic Taylor.
"I'm going to tell him that his mama fought like she's never fought before to go after her dream, to just do everything she could to bring this medal home for him," she said.
"This Olympics has definitely been the most challenging Olympics I've been to," Taylor added.
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