Four-time Olympian Erin Hamlin carried the flag for the United States at the Parade of Nations during Friday’s opening ceremony at the Pyeongchang Winter Games.
Hamlin, the first American female luger to medal at the Olympics, is leading a 244-member group of U.S. athletes, but at least one -- speedskater Shani Davis -- disagreed with the choice.
Hamlin and Davis tied for the honor of carrying the flag, and a coin flip decided the winner, CBS Sports reported. However, Davis tweeted the process was unfair and that "Team USA dishonorably tossed a coin." He also used the hashtag #BlackHistoryMonth2018 and said he could wait until 2022 to carry the flag.
Hamlin and Davis were among eight nominees to carry the American flag, CBS Sports reported. The voting occurred Wednesday night.
Davis, a four-time Olympic medalist, has won two gold medals and two silvers. He has appeared in five different Winter Olympics.
"It was a pretty big shock," Hamlin said of her selection, NBC Olympics reported. "But it is an honor and a privilege to be recognized by all of Team USA."
Credit: Ryan Pierse
Credit: Ryan Pierse
