BEIJING — Elana Meyers Taylor was ready. The three-time Olympic medalist who was elected by her peers to carry the United States flag during the opening ceremony pulled on a red, white and blue jacket, white pants, red boots and a blue beanie. The only thing missing from the bobsledder’s ensemble was the flag she was meant to carry.
That accessory was instead in the hands of Brittany Bowe and John Shuster.
Sitting inside an isolation hotel, Meyers Taylor missed the opening ceremony because of a positive coronavirus test. She said she couldn't imagine a greater honor than being elected flag bearer, but she watched on television as Bowe, a speedskater who carried the flag with Shuster on Meyers Taylor's behalf, led U.S. athletes into Beijing National Stadium.
